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Food security

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The reliance on and connection to the ocean for Pacific peoples including Vanuatu cannot be understated, as demonstrated by its vulnerability to ocean events such as ocean acidification. Therefore, Vanuatu’s food security faces increasing risks due to climate change, natural disasters, and limited agricultural resources. The country heavily relies on subsistence farming for staples like yams, taro, and sweet potatoes, making it vulnerable to extreme weather events like cyclones, droughts, and floods that frequently devastate crops and disrupt food supplies. Rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion also threaten arable land, reducing the productivity of these critical food sources. Vanuatu’s reliance on imported foods to supplement local diets makes it susceptible to global food price volatility, which can strain household budgets and reduce food access for vulnerable populations. Additionally, climate change impacts fisheries, a vital protein source, due to warming seas and changing marine ecosystems. To strengthen food security, Vanuatu is investing in climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable fishing practices, and diversifying food sources to protect its population from future shocks and ensure a more stable food supply.