Major Droughts in Jamaica’s History (1980–2019)

Jamaica has endured several severe dry spells:

• 1980–81: 11-month drought; crop failure, water rationing.
• 1997: Water shortages, power cuts, farm losses.
• 2009–10: Regional Caribbean drought; wildfires, crop failure.
• 2014: Prolonged dry spell; parish-level restrictions.
• 2018–19: Below-average rainfall; widespread shortages.

Climate variability, watershed degradation, and rain-fed agriculture amplify vulnerability. Conservation and early-warning systems are critical for resilience.