Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) comprise 40 countries and territories—39 FAO Members and one Associate Member—situated across the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea regions. SIDS are culturally and ecologically diverse, possess vast ocean spaces rich in natural resources, and play a pivotal role in safeguarding marine and terrestrial biodiversity essential for local livelihoods and global sustainability.
Biodiversity lies at the heart of life in SIDS. Tourism and fisheries alone can account for more than half of their GDP, while ecosystems provide essential services that sustain communities: food security, clean water, coastal protection, fertile soil, and resilience against storms. Beyond their economic value, these natural resources hold deep cultural, aesthetic, and spiritual meaning, shaping traditions and ways of life for generations. Healthy ecosystems not only drive prosperity but also shield SIDS from mounting challenges, reducing the costs of erratic weather conditions and natural disasters. Agrifood systems in SIDS are deeply intertwined with biodiversity, local economies, and cultural heritage. Strengthening these systems is essential not only for food security and nutrition, but also for reducing import dependence, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting livelihoods.
FAO's support to SIDS
FAO supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in transforming their agrifood systems by providing targeted technical assistance, policy guidance, and improved access to finance. Our work focuses on strengthening resilience, enhancing food security, and advancing sustainable development in the face of climate change. Key initiatives include the Hand in Hand Initiatives, SIDS Solutions Platform for knowledge exchange and innovation, support for National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), efforts to reduce reliance on hazardous chemicals, improved disaster risk management, and the promotion of climate‑smart innovation across agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.
Insights from SIDS
Isabel, a symbol of João Varela women’s resilience
João Varela, Cabo Verde - For those arriving today in João Varela, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande de Santiago, it is difficult to imagine that the green vegetable plots were once arid, rocky and hopeless ground. But Isabel Rodrigues, 65, remembers the story well. She is the living memory of a transformation that began not with rain, but with sweat.
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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Hot Pepper value chain spiced up with FAO Climate-Smart Training
09/04/2026
From March 16 to 25, a series of intensive training sessions on hot pepper production took place across the Windward and Leeward regions, conducted in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The initiative brought together farmers, extension officers, and other stakeholders.
Samoa officially launches One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response project
Apia–– The Government of Samoa, through the Ministries of Health (MOH); Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF); and Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), together with partners including the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the World Health Organization (WHO) today officially launched the One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response project, with financial support from the Pandemic Fund.
Voices from the field
Samoa Women’s Association of Growers (SWAG)
07/08/2021
The Samoa Women’s Association of Growers (SWAG) is a grassroots organization helping Samoan women growers and farmers to network, learn, and socialize in an environment that is open and supportive. Papali’I Mele Mauala explains how SWAG fills an organizational gap for advocating women’s issues which can be incorporated into policies, strategic planning involving women in decision making processes.