TRELAWNY, Jamaica — The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is urging Caribbean countries to take a systems approach to building climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries, with greater collaboration among governments, investors and development partners.

Agriculture and Rural Senior Specialist at the IDB, Anna Tonnes, said countries need clear strategies to identify barriers and create conditions for investment in resilient food systems.

“The investment appetite is there,” Tonnes said during the plenary “Building our Resilience: Climate Smart Agriculture and Fisheries” at Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2026 at Ocean Coral Spring Resort in Trelawny on Tuesday.

She pointed to opportunities in resilient boats, seed systems, cold chains and irrigation, while noting that support is needed across the agricultural value chain — from credit for farmers and fishers to equity for growing businesses and infrastructure linking producers to markets.

Tonnes said the IDB is exploring regional and country-level solutions, including resilience-focused bonds, debt swaps and public-private partnerships for large-scale infrastructure.

The bank has two technical cooperation initiatives underway to examine such options, she said, while calling for collaboration on guarantees and other measures to reduce investment risks.

She urged stakeholders to move from discussion to action.

“We would like to work with you,” she said.