The contemporary geomorphological and agricultural status of the Fall River catchment, Jamaica, is examined. The principal constraints which have hampered development are steeply sloping terrain, application of inappropriate soil conservation measures, and the cessation of direct funding associated with the demise of the former Yallahs Valley Land Authority. Furthermore, cropping systems utilized by small, poor and often part-time farmers reflect short-term economic goals which are not necessarily environmentally sound. However, facets of technically appropriate and agronomically sensible solutions are in place and need to be mobilized urgently.