Strengthening Local Food Systems (Impacted by COVID-19) by Promoting Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Value Chains - TCP/SOI/3801

Abstract

Solomon Islands is comprised of over 1 000 islands with a population that grows at a rate of 2.3 percent annually. In this context, there is a need to ensure that the personal health of the country’s citizens is supported through the consumption of affordable and nutritious food containing vital vitamins and protein, and that these foods are accessible. In 2009, in Solomon Islands, just under 20 percent of the population lived in urban centres. In 2017, this figure had increased to 23.3 percent, with the urban population growing at twice the rate of the rural population. Increased urbanization is accompanied by changing patterns of food consumption with consequent health implications, including a rise in non communicable diseases. Furthermore, climate change and disaster risk management are significant issues given the current and future impacts expected, and the associated risks posed to natural ecosystems such as coastal and marine environments, fisheries, agriculture, water resources, health, biodiversity, infrastructure, and industry. In addition, COVID-19 impacted food production and related food supply chains for food systems in Honiara and the provinces. In these circumstances, the promotion of local food consumption for healthy diets has been identified as a priority by the government.