Supporting Vanuatu as it prepares its food system for disasters in peacetime

Vanuatu is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to natural disasters, and frequently experiences cyclones, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The compounding effects of disasters, climate change, and economic vulnerabilities significantly threaten the sustainability of Vanuatu’s food system.

The nation’s reliance on subsistence agriculture and fisheries, combined with limited infrastructure and access to markets, further exacerbates these challenges. A shift away from traditional diets towards processed foods high in sugar and fats is resulting in rising rates of non-communicable diseases and poor nutritional outcomes. This is exacerbated by food imports playing a crucial role in post disaster recovery.

The complex and interconnected nature of Vanuatu’s food systems requires an integrated and collaborative approach to enhancing resilience.

Together with partners in Vanuatu, we are scoping a pilot activity to look at how resilience can be built into the food system in different stages of disaster management. It will investigate and identify key components that contribute to a resilient food system system in Vanuatu, drawing on successful examples of resilience and disaster recovery.