ARTEMISA, Cuba — For farmers in Cuba’s agricultural heartland, life has always been arduous. But in recent years, U.S. sanctions and crippling fuel shortages have turned hardship into desperation. Abraham Rodríguez, a 25-year-old farmer, exemplifies the struggle. Working under the scorching sun, he plows corn furrows, earning just 1,200 pesos (£1.80) daily. “I need two days’ wages to buy a bottle of cooking oil,” he says, his voice tinged with exhaustion.
Artemisa, a province known for its fertile soil, has traditionally sustained Cuba’s agricultural output. However, analysts point to the Trump administration’s intensified sanctions as a primary factor in the sector’s decline. These measures, aimed at pressuring Cuba’s communist government, have disrupted supply chains, limiting access to fuel, fertilizers, and machinery. “Sanctions have exacerbated existing inefficiencies,” says a Havana-based economist who requested anonymity.
Cuban officials acknowledge the challenges but blame U.S. policy for deepening the crisis. “The blockade is strangling our economy,” said a government spokesperson. Meanwhile, farmers like Rodríguez bear the brunt. Rising fuel prices have forced many to abandon their fields, while others resort to manual labor, further reducing productivity.
Economists warn that the situation could worsen. With no immediate resolution in sight, Cuba’s agricultural sector faces long-term decline, threatening food security for millions. “The ripple effects of these sanctions will be felt for years,” says an analyst from the Latin American Studies Center. As Rodríguez surveys his field, he sums up the sentiment of many: “We’re exhausted. This isn’t sustainable.”