Country Profile

The twin-island Federation of St Kitts and Nevis is a part of the Leeward Islands group covering a total land area of 269 km^² (104 mi^² -, St Kitts is 176 km^² (68 mi²) and Nevis is 93 km²(36 mi²). The highest elevation in St Kitts is Mount Liamuiga (formerly Mount Misery), 1,156 m (3,792 ft.) on St. Kitts and the Nevis peak of 985 m (3,232 ft.). The mean annual rainfall is 1,300 mm (51.2 in). Sugar was the traditional mainstay of the St. Kitts economy.  However, faced with a sugar industry that was finding it increasingly difficult to earn a profit, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis officially closed the sugar industry in 2005 and embarked on a programme to diversify the agricultural sector and stimulate the development of other sectors of the economy. Tourism has since surpassed sugar as the major foreign exchange earner for St. Kitts and Nevis. Export-oriented manufacturing and offshore banking also assumed larger roles in the economy. The agricultural diversification programme is continuing with emphasis on crops and livestock such hot pepper, white and sweet potato, vegetables, dairy, beef, mutton, pork and poultry. The economy continues to be vulnerable to global financial challenges and adverse weather conditions, and reflected a decline in 2009, even as it is expected to improve in 2010. Agriculture contributed 3.5% of the GDP in 2009.

CARDI St. Kitts & Nevis Overview

CARDI St. Kitts and Nevis is identified mostly with research and development on vegetables and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), especially for sweet potato production and the management of invasive species. However, with the closure of the sugar industry by the Government a greater opportunity has become available for agricultural diversification. Therefore, CARDI St Kitts and Nevis has expanded its research and development portfolio to include activities on hot pepper production and undercover / protected agriculture in support of the diversification process. The Unit is also involved in livestock research and development. It is the focal point for the delivery of technical assistance to the small ruminant sub-sector by CARDI Livestock Scientists.