Session Proponent: Dr Suliasi Vunibola and Prof Regina Scheyvens (Massey University)

Session Contributors: Open

 

The aim of this session is to explore ways to achieve the transformation required so that food systems and food cultures in the Pacific predominantly support people’s wellbeing. This sessions builds upon the DevNet Symposium of 2023 on Pacific Food Security. See https://devnet.org.nz/devnet-symposium2023/

There are multiple, complex challenges affecting agriculture, human health and nutrition in the region, from climate change to loss of rural dwellers to seasonal employment in New Zealand or Australia, and pervasive marketing of ultra-processed foods along with devaluing of traditional foods. Tackling such challenges will likely require us to draw from traditional knowledge and systems while also utilising innovative approaches to supporting healthy communities, building diverse and climate-resilient local food systems, resourcing sustainable health systems, decolonising minds and changing behaviours.  

Governments that prioritise human health will also need to be courageous in terms of their policies and regulations with respect to supporting healthy food systems, encouraging behaviour change among their people, and controlling importation and advertising of unhealthy foods.

If you would like to participate in this session, please submit an abstract which speaks to the above points, or one of the following provocations:

 

1. How can we promote food sovereignty and instill pride in local food, decolonising mindsets?
2. What effective adaptations are occurring to make agriculture more sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change?
3. How can smallholder farmers in the Pacific be better supported?
4. How can researchers, development practitioners and donors contribute to overcoming food insecurity and poor nutrition in the region?
5. What role does land tenure play in ensuring food security for people in the Pacific?

What are some innovative examples of programmes that are addressing any of the above issues head-on?