Exploring climate resilience strategies in Melanesia for food and nutrition security under a changing climate

The Melanesian region is experiencing some of the fastest intensifying climate changes in the world. It also has some of the highest rates of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), accounting for up to 75% of all deaths, with poor diet being a major contributor.

Rising temperatures, stronger cyclones, prolonged droughts, and sea-level rise are disrupting agriculture, fisheries, and transport networks. These disruptions are harder for communities to access safe, nutritious, and affordable food and increasing reliance on imported, processed alternatives.

CSIRO is leading a collaborative research initiative to understand the complex links between climate, agriculture, infrastructure, and diet in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to inform evidence-based policy and program interventions for nutrition-sensitive food system.