Praedial Larceny: Beyond Animals and Crops by Tyreke G. Thomas-Horsford
Praedial larceny — the theft of agricultural produce — continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing the agricultural sector across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean. For generations, the term has been associated mainly with the stealing of livestock, fruits, and vegetables. However, this issue has evolved far beyond traditional farm theft. Today, farmers are losing not only their crops and animals but also valuable equipment, tools, and materials that are vital to agricultural production.
A Modern and Expanding Threat
Under the oversight of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries & the Blue Economy, efforts continue to strengthen food security, boost local production, and support farmers across the nation. Yet, praedial larceny remains a major obstacle to these goals.
While the theft of animals and produce is still widespread, the modern thief now targets irrigation systems, water pumps, power tillers, fuel, fertilizers, chemical sprayers, fencing, and even solar-powered lighting systems. Some go as far as removing harvested produce awaiting collection, or dismantling structures like storage sheds and gates to resell the materials.
These acts do more than rob farmers of property — they rob communities of progress. Every stolen hose, engine, or bag of fertilizer represents a setback in our collective mission to build a strong and sustainable agricultural economy.
The Human and Economic Impact
Praedial larceny is not a petty offense; it is a serious economic and social crime. For many small-scale farmers, a single incident can wipe out months — even years — of hard work and investment. Beyond financial loss, it creates emotional distress, reduces morale, and discourages others from entering or continuing in agriculture.
This, in turn, threatens national food security. When farmers lose confidence and production declines, the country becomes more dependent on imports, undermining local resilience and economic growth.
The Challenge of Enforcement
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries & the Blue Economy, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, continues to address this growing issue. However, enforcement remains complex. Farms are often located in remote areas with limited security, making them easy targets. Identifying stolen goods is another challenge, especially when crops and livestock are unmarked or when tools are resold quickly.
This is why the Ministry continues to emphasize farm registration, traceability systems, and community policing initiatives — encouraging farmers to mark their livestock and equipment, maintain updated farm records, and report suspicious activities promptly.
Community Involvement and Technology
The fight against praedial larceny cannot rest on government action alone. It requires a united approach among farmers, communities, and law enforcement. Farmers’ groups and cooperatives have shown success in sharing information and organizing community watch systems.
Additionally, the Ministry encourages the use of modern technology such as CCTV cameras, motion sensors, GPS trackers, and digital recordkeeping. These tools can significantly reduce the risk of theft and make it easier to recover stolen items.
A Call for National Responsibility
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries & the Blue Economy continues to call upon every citizen to recognize praedial larceny as more than just “taking a few things from the farm.” It is theft — and it impacts the entire nation. Vendors, consumers, and transporters must all act responsibly by verifying the source of agricultural goods before purchase.
By supporting farmers, respecting their labor, and holding perpetrators accountable, we protect not only livelihoods but also the national goal of food self-sufficiency.
Conclusion
Praedial larceny has evolved — and so must our response. It is no longer limited to the stealing of animals or fruits, but extends to equipment, materials, and infrastructure essential to production. The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries & the Blue Economy reaffirms its commitment to strengthening legislation, supporting farmers, and fostering partnerships that ensure agriculture remains a secure, profitable, and respected profession.
Every stolen hoe, pipe, or animal affects the nation’s progress. Together, through vigilance, cooperation, and enforcement, we can protect the hands that feed us and secure the future of Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural sector.