Dear Editor,

As Jamaica continues to navigate the complex path of economic growth, climate resilience, and sustainable development, it is essential that we take a long, hard look at how we plan and develop our communities.

Now, more than ever, the integration of agriculture and town planning must not be seen as separate policy spheres but as interdependent pillars of national development. To future-proof Jamaica’s growth, we must embrace a planning paradigm that embeds agriculture into the DNA of urban and rural development.

Jamaica’s rich agricultural heritage has long been the backbone of rural livelihoods and food security. Yet, as urban sprawl increases, prime agricultural lands are too often sacrificed in favour of concrete and steel. This trend not only threatens food sovereignty but also erodes the socio-economic foundation of rural communities.

Modern town planning cannot afford to ignore this reality. If we are to build resilient, self-sustaining communities, we must ensure that agricultural zones are not sidelined, but strategically protected, enhanced, and integrated into the development framework.

The future of development lies in smart, green growth — development that prioritises climate adaptation, food production, and community well-being. In this context agriculture becomes more than just an economic sector. It becomes a tool for:

• urban cooling and climate mitigation

• community empowerment through urban farming

• reducing the food import bill and increasing food security

• creating green jobs and local entrepreneurship opportunities

Town planners must begin to see agriculture not as a land-use conflict, but as a complementary force to residential, commercial, and industrial developments. To achieve this Jamaica must move towards integrated land-use planning, an approach that considers agricultural viability, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic needs in every development decision. For instance, new housing schemes can be designed with community gardens or vertical farms. Infrastructure projects can be built alongside protected greenbelts or agro-parks. Even schools and universities can incorporate agriculture into their physical and educational spaces, fostering a new generation of agro-conscious citizens.

Policymakers and planning authorities have a critical role to play. The National Spatial Plan, Agricultural Land Management Programme, and Parish Development Orders must work in sync to identify and preserve agricultural lands, promote mixed-use zoning, and incentivise agri-friendly urban designs. Similarly, collaboration between agencies — such as the Ministry of Agriculture, National Environment and Planning Agency, Urban Development Cooperation, and municipal corporations — is essential to ensuring that development approvals are aligned with long-term food security goals.

This is not just a matter for Government. Developers, architects, farmers, educators, and citizens all have a stake in shaping the Jamaica we want to live in. We must ask ourselves: Are we building communities that can feed themselves, adapt to climate change, and support future generations?

If the answer is no, then we must reimagine the way we develop — with agriculture and sustainability at the centre of our vision. By future-proofing our developments through integrated agricultural and urban planning, we are not just building cities and towns, we are cultivating resilience, self-reliance, and prosperity for all Jamaicans.

John-Paul Bramwell

Assistant lecturer

Caribbean Maritime University

jbramwell@faculty.cmu.edu.jm