Caribbean navigation: CaribbeanPuerto RicoJamaicaTrinidad and TobagoDominican RepublicHaitiCubaBarbadosSaint LuciaGrenadaAntigua and BarbudaThe BahamasDominicaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint Vincent and the Grenadines


Dominica: Kalinago foodways, fertile landscapes and metabolic health

Dominica’s mountainous, high-rainfall landscape supports roots and tubers, plantain, bananas, citrus, vegetables, cocoa, herbs and fisheries. Kalinago knowledge and wider Dominican farming traditions are living assets, while imported sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods have expanded the modern food environment.

At a glance

  • Overweight and obesity: PAHO estimates 59% among people over age 15 in 2022.
  • Diabetes: estimated prevalence increased from 8.4% in 2000 to 11.1% in 2014.
  • Hypertension: reported adult prevalence was 22.5% in 2015.

Hurricane resilience and local food

Hurricane Maria in 2017 showed how quickly farms, roads, forests, electricity and water systems can be damaged together. Recovery should protect diverse farms, planting material, small processing businesses and community distribution—not only restore export production. Roots, legumes, vegetables, fruit and fish can support both food security and metabolic health.

Kalinago communities and equitable policy

PAHO identifies the importance of recognizing vulnerabilities affecting Kalinago communities. Policy should be developed with communities, respect cultural knowledge and land relationships, and avoid treating ancestry as a diagnosis. Individual risk should be assessed through clinical evidence and access to continuing care.

Selected authoritative sources


Caribbean navigation: CaribbeanPuerto RicoJamaicaTrinidad and TobagoDominican RepublicHaitiCubaBarbadosSaint LuciaGrenadaAntigua and BarbudaThe BahamasDominicaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint Vincent and the Grenadines

© 2026 Internets. All rights reserved.

Search