The Role of GIS in Strengthening Agriculture and Climate Resilience in Jamaica

Transforming Business Strategy with GIS: The MGI Way In the modern marketplace, GIS is no longer a “nice to have” technology; it is a cornerstone of modern problem-solving. As the premier advanced-GIS provider in Jamaica since 2004, the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) has transitioned from a University hub to a vital engine for regional business expansion. Precision in Growth and Expansion MGI specializes in converting complex spatial data into increased revenue. Whether you are in Retail, BFSI (Banking/Insurance), Telecommunications, or Energy, our services, ranging from Site Suitability Analysis to Competitor Analysis, ensure your next move is backed by data. By utilizing Desktop Geocoding and GPS field mapping, we help businesses identify the “where” and “why” of customer behavior. For logistics and food delivery services, efficiency is everything. MGI’s JAMNAV (Jamaica’s premier and most comprehensive geospatial database) and our custom Web Mapping Services allow companies to optimize delivery zones, reduce fuel costs, and enhance fleet management. The UAV and GeoAI Revolution Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have revolutionized our portfolio. Beyond simple imagery, our Drone Services and Training provide high-resolution data for infrastructure planning and environmental modeling. To ensure the region stays competitive, we offer GIS Training and Camps, empowering professionals to build their own business analysis tools. We are now entering the “Intelligence Age” by integrating GeoAI. MGI develops geospatial-based intelligent web tools that process massive datasets to provide predictive insights for decision-makers. “AI changes how we think, create, and decide, transforming the cognitive processes of work,” says Mr. Luke Buchanan, Executive Director of MGI. “We are moving from a passive ‘information age’ to an active ‘intelligence age.’ In the age of AI, geospatial technologies allow us to consider larger datasets in a faster, more efficient way, fundamentally shifting how we make impactful decisions.” Leading the Caribbean into the Future From Social Surveys to 3D Visualization, MGI remains at the forefront of Caribbean R&D. Our specialized training programs serve everyone from novices to experts, ensuring that as datasets grow, the human capacity to analyze them grows as well. At its core, GIS is about more than mapping; it is about understanding connections, patterns, and possibilities. MGI is committed to adopting the latest technologies to ensure our clients are not just reacting to the market, but shaping the careers and industries of tomorrow. Contact Information Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI), The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica #GIS #BusinessIntelligence #GeoAI #MGI #JamaicaTech #SpatialAnalysis #UAV #DigitalTransformation #DataScience #LogisticsOptimization Phone: (876) 816-8791 / (876) 671-7001Email: info@monagis.comWebsite: www.monagis.com

GIS for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Jamaica Introduction Agriculture is the science and practice of cultivating crops and rearing livestock for food, raw materials, and economic livelihood. It remains one of the most critical sectors for food security, employment, and rural development, particularly in developing countries. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), on the other hand, refer to computer-based tools used to capture, store, analyze, and visualize spatial or geographic data. When combined, agriculture and GIS form a powerful partnership that can transform how food is produced, managed, and sustained, especially in the face of climate change. Climate-resilient agriculture is the use of farming practices that can adapt to and recover from climate impacts like droughts, floods and hurricanes while GIS supports this by mapping risks, analyzing environmental conditions, and guiding data-driven decisions for more resilient agricultural planning. The Importance of Agriculture in Jamaica Agriculture plays a vital role in Jamaica’s economy and social structure. It supports rural livelihoods, contributes to national food security, and reduces dependence on imports. The sector also provides employment for thousands of Jamaicans and underpins agro-processing industries. In a country like Jamaica, where a significant portion of the population depends directly or indirectly on farming, strengthening agriculture is essential for sustainable development and economic resilience. Climate Change and Its Impact on Agriculture in SIDS Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Jamaica, are among the most vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, stronger hurricanes, and sea-level rise all threaten agricultural productivity. These challenges result in reduced crop yields, increased pest and disease outbreaks, soil degradation, and disruptions to farming cycles. Climate Change and Agriculture in Jamaica In Jamaica, the effects of climate change are already evident. Farmers are experiencing: These impacts reduce productivity, increase costs, and threaten food security. Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Jamaica’s agricultural sector, are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources and adaptive capacity. The GCF ADAPT Jamaica Initiative To address these challenges, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has approved a US$50 million (approximately JMD $8 billion) project titled “ADAPT Jamaica: Enhancing Climate Change Resilience of Vulnerable Smallholder Farmers.” This initiative focuses on six central parishes responsible for approximately 70% of Jamaica’s domestic food production. These parishes are Clarendon, Manchester, St. Ann, St. Catherine, St. Elizabeth, and Trelawny. The project aims to strengthen resilience through climate-smart agriculture, improved water management, better infrastructure, and enhanced capacity building for farmers. The Role of GIS in Supporting Agricultural Sustainability GIS must play a central role in the planning, implementation, and sustainability of this initiative. It enables: “GIS allows us to visualize complex agricultural and climate data in ways that make decision-making faster, more accurate, and more targeted,” says Luke Buchanan, Executive Director at the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI). “By integrating geospatial tools into farming practices, we can directly support the resilience of smallholder farmers and strengthen Jamaica’s food security.” MGI’s Role: GIS, Drones, and Agricultural Innovation The Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI), at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus (UWI Mona) through its expertise in GIS, GPS and drone technologies, is uniquely positioned to support agricultural transformation in Jamaica. Using drones, MGI can: GIS analysis combined with drone data can provide farmers and policymakers with real-time insights to improve productivity and sustainability. GIS in Food Storage and Logistics Post-harvest losses remain a major issue in agriculture. GIS can optimize: By mapping and analyzing logistics networks, GIS helps ensure food reaches markets efficiently and remains fresh longer. GIS and Climate-Smart Infrastructure GIS can also support the implementation of: These technologies help farmers manage drought, reduce operational costs, and build resilience against climate variability. Gender and GIS in Agriculture Women play a critical role in agriculture but often face unequal access to land, resources, and technology. GIS can help address these disparities by: Integrating gender considerations into GIS analysis ensures that development initiatives are inclusive and equitable. Conclusion The integration of GIS into agriculture is no longer optional, it is essential. In the context of climate change and national development, tools like GIS and drone technology provide the intelligence needed to build a resilient, efficient, and sustainable agricultural sector. Through initiatives like ADAPT Jamaica, and with the support of institutions like MGI and UWI Mona, Jamaica has a unique opportunity to leverage geospatial technology to secure its agricultural future and strengthen the livelihoods of its farmers. Contact us for more information:Email: info@monagis.comWeb: www.monagis.comPhone: (876) 816-8791 / (876) 671-7001Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgimona/

The 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with the most active period typically occurring between August and October. During this time, tropical storms and hurricanes form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, often bringing heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and damaging winds across the Caribbean region. Early climate outlooks suggest that large-scale climate patterns may shape the 2026 season, particularly the potential transition toward El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions in the Pacific Ocean. When El Niño develops, it typically increases vertical wind shear over the Atlantic, which can reduce the likelihood of storm formation or intensification. However, even during El Niño years, major hurricanes can still develop, especially when sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic remain unusually warm. 2026 Tropical Cyclone Names Each Atlantic hurricane season follows a pre-established list of storm names maintained by the World Meteorological Organization. For the 2026 season, the list includes 21 rotating names that are assigned sequentially to tropical storms as they form. The full list of names for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is: Arthur, Bertha, and Cristobal. Other names in the 2026 list include Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred. These names repeat every six years unless a storm becomes particularly destructive, in which case the name is retired and replaced. Understanding the Risk in Jamaica Jamaica’s geographic location places it directly within the Atlantic hurricane belt, making the island particularly vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. Major storms such as Hurricane Charlie, Hurricane Gilbert, Hurricane Ivan, Hurricane Dean, Hurricane Sandy, and Hurricane Beryl have caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture across the island. Beyond strong winds, hurricanes frequently trigger secondary hazards, including: These impacts are especially severe in Jamaica’s steep terrain where intense rainfall can rapidly destabilize slopes and watersheds. A Data-Driven Approach to Preparedness At the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI), at The University of the West Indies Mona Campus, we are committed to using geospatial technology to improve disaster preparedness and risk awareness across Jamaica. Residents, planners, and emergency responders can use the MGI Natural Hazards Dashboard to explore historical patterns of flooding and landslides across the island. The platform allows users to visualize hazard occurrences by parish and decade, helping communities better understand long-term risk patterns and exposure. Explore the Natural Hazards Dashboard:https://hazards-map.monagis.com/ Expert Insight According to Luke Buchanan, Executive Director at MGI at the UWI, Mona Campus: “Tropical cyclone risk in the Caribbean is fundamentally governed by complex ocean–atmosphere interactions, particularly the coupled dynamics of sea surface temperature anomalies, atmospheric instability, and vertical wind shear. As global ocean heat content continues to increase, the probability of rapid intensification events and high-impact rainfall episodes rises significantly. For small island states such as Jamaica, geospatial intelligence and historical hazard analytics are essential tools for anticipating cascading hazards such as flooding and landslides during extreme tropical weather events.” Stay Prepared This Hurricane SeasonHere is a list of Hurricane Tips from MGI: https://main.monagis.com/tropical-storm-melissa-looms-hurricane-tips-from-mgi/ Preparing early can significantly reduce risk during hurricane season. Consider the following steps: Building a Resilient Jamaica The increasing intensity of tropical storms highlights the need for data-driven decision-making and community awareness. By combining scientific forecasting with geospatial analysis, Jamaica can continue strengthening its disaster preparedness and resilience. Stay informed. Stay safe. Build a resilient Jamaica. Contact us for more information:Email: info@monagis.comWeb: www.monagis.comPhone: (876) 816-8791 / (876) 671-7001 #HurricaneSeason2026 #NaturalHazards #Jamaica #FloodPreparedness #LandslideAwareness #MGI #DisasterPreparedness #GISforGood #StaySafeJA #ClimateResilience #Flooding #Landslides #MonaGIS

Jamaica, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), is on the frontline of climate variability. The sharp swing from January 2026’s cold temperatures to the intense heat projected for summer highlights the current climate reality: stronger extremes, greater variability, and increasing pressure on our national systems. What is drought? A prolonged period of below-average rainfall that leads to water shortages affecting farming, households, ecosystems, and the economy. Jamaica has two main dry seasons:– February to March– July to August Climate change is amplifying hydroclimatic variability across seasons. Increasingly, we are observing comparatively wetter dry seasons and drier wet seasons, reflecting a shift in traditional rainfall patterns. Precipitation events are becoming more erratic and intense, often occurring as short-duration, high-intensity storms that generate rapid surface runoff rather than facilitating infiltration and groundwater recharge. Simultaneously, rising air temperatures are elevating evapotranspiration rates, accelerating soil moisture depletion and intensifying hydrological stress on both ecosystems and water supply systems. In an interview with the Jamaica Observer (Feb 15, 2026), Luke Buchanan, Executive Director of MGI, warned that despite the early-year cold front, extremely hot and humid conditions are expected for summer 2026. Adaptation is critical. How drought impacts Jamaica: The National Water Commission (NWC) has faced mounting pressure as reservoirs and rivers decline. Some systems have operated at as low as 10–40% capacity in recent years, leading to regulated schedules and conservation appeals. Drought in Jamaica is no longer occasional – it is structural. Strengthening water storage, expanding rainwater harvesting, promoting climate-smart agriculture, modernising infrastructure, and improving conservation practices are essential. Protecting Jamaica’s economy, communities, and future requires urgent investment in water resilience. Contact Us:Email: info@monagis.comPhone: (876) 816-8791 / (876) 671-7001Web: www.monagis.com #ClimateChange #Jamaica #Drought #WaterSecurity #ClimateAdaptation