New ACIAR-funded research in the Solomon Islands will help coastal communities transform food systems to become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Led by the Cawthron Institute, the new $A1.9 million investment will support the Solomon Islands to develop and test processes and tools that can build transformative capacity, triggering a step-change in towards climate ready food systems.
An archipelago of almost 1000 islands, the Solomon Islands are dependent on fishing for food, nutrition, and income security with most of its population living in coastal communities on small islands and atolls. While they are coastal, many communities also have small home gardens and use forests for resources and livelihood activities.
The Pacific Island nation is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change and disasters. Cyclones and storms often strike, causing severe flooding. Drought is also a serious threat. With over 80% of the population living in low-lying coastal areas, storm surges, king tides and sea level rise present significant challenges.
The devastating impacts of the adverse climate effects continue to constitute a major barrier to achieving sustainable development and viable food production goals for the Pacific, including the Solomon Islands.
Adverse climate effects have impacted not only land crops but other sources of vital food, such as coastal fisheries, The impacts of climate change and population growth is projected to lead to the collapse of coastal livelihoods currently dependent on coral reef-based fish and nearshore fish throughout the Solomon Islands.
A negative outlook is projected for the fisheries sector in the Solomon Islands, with potential reductions in the maximum catch potential of over 50%, representing a major threat to dietary health in poorer communities, national food security and national income.
Prior research has indicated that new pathways are needed for fisheries – to develop alternative livelihoods and increase collaboration among communities, governments and potential commercial investors. However, there is a need for more tools and processes to address the social and technical barriers and opportunities for the transformation of food systems which can catalyse change.