There was an interesting piece in the Washington post yesterday about food security in Jamaica and in general.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/caribbean-governments-encourage-gardening-to-ease-reliance-on-imports-amid-soaring-food-costs/2011/06/06/AGxgg3JH_story.html

Although I had noticed food prices in Jamaica seemed to be rising even faster than in North America, I hadn't realized the extent.

I'd be interested to hear from those of you living there fulltime whether this govt initiative is making any impact. In my own observations,the biggest problem with this sort of small-scale growing is theft (several friends have "hidden gardens" in the bush for this reason.)

And a related question: does anyone have any experience with composting in Jamaica? I have never noted a compost heap, wonder if there's a reason.

I don't live there full time so can't address your question about that but, at least in my yard unless you have an actual composter that is sealed "backyard composting" as we do in Northern California is a huge no-no...attract too many varmints.

Sure, we get our share of Possum and Racoon but not (shudder) rats.

himself composts....I taught him and he loves it. His garden is superb. Ask Cher