Research on human food and beverage production, supply and consumption in small islands : a scoping review in Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (Dutch Caribbean)

Abstract

This scoping review offers a first-time overview of publicly available research on human food and beverage production, supply, and consumption in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao (the ABC islands in the Dutch Caribbean). A protocol was developed based on JBI and PRISMA-ScR methods. Nine databases were searched: academic databases, local university and knowledge repositories, and global knowledge repositories. In total, 264 items were identified, of which 117 items were published from 2000 – March 2025. Characteristics were analysed for this latter group, to explore current relevant themes. The results indicated a diverse, accessible, and expanding research field, with notable growth over the past decade. This coincided with a period of growing global attention to food-related research, as well as expanded funding opportunities and international collaborations. Most items focused on Aruba, followed by Curacao and Bonaire. The supply chain stage most studied was agricultural production, with a focus on arable farming and fisheries.