In Artemisa, Cuba, the economic pressures of U.S. sanctions are increasingly felt in the agricultural sector, where farmers like Abraham Rodríguez face daily hardships. Rodríguez, a young farmer, reports earning around 1,200 pesos daily, equivalent to approximately £1.80, which is insufficient to meet even basic needs such as purchasing cooking oil.
According to local sources, the sanctions have led to severe fuel shortages, disrupting agricultural operations and making farming tools and machinery scarce. ‘We are doing our best, but the conditions are deteriorating,’ Rodríguez added.
Analysts suggest that the sanctions are part of a broader strategy to apply pressure on the Cuban government, yet the immediate victims are often the local farmers who are struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
Looking ahead, the sustainability of Cuba’s agricultural sector remains in question as global fuel prices fluctuate and sanctions persist. Experts warn that without significant changes, the future for Cuba’s farmers looks increasingly bleak.