Food Security Stratetgies for Vanuatu

Economic growth in Vanuatu has not matched the current population growth of 3% per annum. This high population growth rate, coupled with a rapid increase in the number of people migrating into the two main urban centres and increasing unemployment, is creating social and economic problems. These problems are exacerbated by external shocks, such as world price instability, and internal shocks, due to natural and man-made disasters, which have a negative impact on the composition, stability and reliability of food availability and entitlements in Vanuatu. Food security means the ability to grow and purchase food as needed. It is influenced by factors such as income levels, domestic and export markets, and natural resources. Food insecurity in Vanuatu is not primarily a case of inadequate volumes of food to feed people. At present, it is more related to what can be termed “hidden hunger”, or deficiencies of vital micronutrients in people’s diets. In rural areas, it is related to people eating unbalanced diets. In urban areas, it is related to changes in people’s eating habits, shifting away from nutritionally rich traditional staples to imported, less nutritious food items. Poverty as known in other parts of the world does not exist in Vanuatu. People are more or less financially poor, but not materially poor. This is due to many factors but particularly to secure land ownership for most of the population. Approximately 95% of land in Vanuatu is traditionally owned. Therefore, access to land by the majority of the population in rural areas means food can be produced for home consumption, while cash crops and livestock can also be raised for cash income. However, with the current rapid population growth rate, more land will be cultivated for food and cash income. Therefore, pressure on this fundamental resource is becoming a concern, which requires addressing to remedy any long-term deterioration in food security that might occur in the future. At present, Vanuatu is undergoing many changes with the recent introduction of its comprehensive reform programme (CRP). Therefore, it is highly desirable that policy measures be undertaken in areas that will accommodate the food needs of the people. Research activities are being undertaken by the Vanuatu Agricultural Research and Training Centre (VARTC) on food crops under its crop diversification programme. However, current emphasis should focus also on the marketing of food crops and the income-earning capability of households. Research activities should include the development of new methods of food conservation, preservation, processing and marketing. Incorporating programmes and activities from both public and private sectors for food security needs of households and the general public should be seriously considered in the light of present factors directly or indirectly affecting food security.