Enhanced food security in Vanuatu’s disaster prone communities

Vanuatu is an agriculture-based economy, with 80% of the population depending entirely on subsistence agriculture for both their daily sustenance and well-being, and collectively the sector accounting for at least 20% of GDP.

Significant disaster events are a frequent reality in Vanuatu: communities have experienced drought, volcanic eruptions and three major cyclones. Consequently, it is imperative that risks associated with climate change and disasters are integral when making any development decisions, such as the choice of seeds or seedlings, construction materials, infrastructure location and who within communities receives which benefits. Taking into consideration resource and technical constraints, it is also critical that government, partners and communities work collectively to pool their resources to address these risks and maximise the effectiveness of development spending. 

This briefing note outlines steps which have been undertaken by communities, government and NGOs to deliver the Resilient Agriculture initiatives in select communities in Vanuatu.