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Building Food Resilience in Sint Maarten Through Hydroponics

Access to fresh, locally grown food remains a challenge on Sint Maarten. Limited arable land, scarce freshwater, and frequent hurricanes have increased the island’s dependence on imported produce, leaving food supplies vulnerable to global price changes and disruptions after natural disasters.

To address this, Sint Maarten is exploring hydroponics as a way to grow food locally. Hydroponics is a method of farming that grows plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead. Plants are supported by simple structures while their roots absorb everything they need directly from the water. Because the system recirculates water and requires very little space, hydroponics uses significantly less water than traditional farming and can operate indoors or in protected environments, making it well suited to island conditions.

In early 2025, a hydroponics pilot project was launched in eight schools across the island. The initiative is led jointly by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications and the Ministry of Education, with support from the Green Overseas Programme. The programme is funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France.

The project combines the installation of hydroponic systems with hands-on training using a “train-the-trainer” approach. Teachers and school staff learn how to operate and maintain the systems, ensuring knowledge spreads within schools and into the wider community. Training is led by Kristina Adams, founder of Adams Aqualife, who brings more than 20 years of hydroponics experience across the Caribbean.

Students actively take part in planting, caring for, and harvesting mainly leafy vegetables. Some of the produce is already being used in school meal programmes, providing fresh, locally grown food while giving students hands-on experience with sustainable agriculture. Beyond food production, the project helps build practical skills and raises awareness about nutrition and climate resilience. With continued support, initiatives like this can help Sint

Maarten move toward a stronger, more resilient food future, driven by local skills, innovation, and community involvement.

For more information about the project, including an overview video and recorded training

modules and the systems guide, please visit the following links:

• Hydroponics Sint Maarten (project overview video): : https://youtu.be/8j1x_H-QNro?si=BnkmWtOTHJ0ac8m2

• Recorded hydroponics training modules: : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgbTf1sbl5t-28BST6polTh8sgivUTRSu&si=jQQFT0Q9RlIdmXly

• Module 1: Introduction to Hydroponics systems https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q2dFWQPDYA
• Module 2: Water quality and nutrient management https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_RYYsMIBPc
• Module 3: Plant Biology and Pests https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn8i6lOvdts
• Module 4: Farm Operation and Financial Tools https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AfS9qDUFWM

• Hydroponics System Guide: System-Design-copy-edited-hydroponics.pdf

Hydroponics in Schools (Photo by Green Overseas Programme)