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Land reforms & access

Land reforms can help Caribbean islands like Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Martin adapt to climate change by making better use of underused or idle land. These reforms involve reviewing land ownership and reallocating land—especially land held by large estates or left unused—to support small-scale, climate-resilient agriculture. In these islands, where land is often scarce and unevenly distributed due to colonial legacies, land reforms can empower local farmers, improve food security, and reduce dependence on imports. By turning idle land into productive farmland, communities can grow crops suited to changing climate conditions, store carbon in soils, and strengthen local economies. This approach also helps reduce vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions and extreme weather events.

Related adaptation options are strengthening governance and institutions and improving financial tools for local farming.

Feasibility & Local Applicability

Land reforms have been attempted across the Caribbean, but they have not always succeeded. On their own, these reforms are rarely enough to make a lasting impact. New landowners need practical support, such as access to resources and training, to start and maintain farms. Another challenge is that land ownership is often unclear or informal, which makes farming risky. To address this, land reforms should include steps to formalize land titles and create transparent systems of ownership. 

Co-benefits

Land reforms can help create fairer land distribution and strengthen the rights of new landowners. To maximize their impact, these reforms should include guidance or requirements for nature-friendly and climate-resilient farming, so that idle plots become productive agricultural systems. This approach can boost local food security, create jobs, and support biodiversity. Clear and formal land ownership systems are also essential, as they reduce disputes and give farmers confidence to invest in their land.

Equity & Vulnerability Considerations

Land reforms should be transparent and firmly anchored in policy and law to ensure that new landowners have secure rights. However, land reform alone is not enough. New owners need support in sustainable, climate-smart land management to make their farms productive and resilient. When allocating land, priority could be given to vulnerable groups such as young farmers, landless farmers, and women, based on local assessments of need.

Costs

Medium - High | Implementing land reforms in Caribbean Small Island States can be expensive because it involves legal changes, land title formalization, and capacity building for new landowners. Large-scale projects often require millions in funding; for example, regional land management programs supported by the Global Environment Facility have budgets ranging from $8 million to $18 million, plus significant co-financing. Costs also include training, infrastructure for land administration, and monitoring systems. Due to limited fiscal space and high debt levels, most islands rely on international grants and partnerships to cover these expenses.

Case-studies & Examples

Literature

Adaptation Options Overview