Domestic tuna value chain in Kiribati

Park, S.; Diffey, S.;

Domestic tuna value chain in Kiribati

Analysis and ten-year upgrading strategy (2023–2033)

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 56 p.

Author Park, S.; Diffey, S.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-139516-5

Full item page

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3836en

Synopsis (short abstract) With a population of just 119 000, the remote island nation of Kiribati boasts one of the world’s largest exclusive economic zones, with abundant marine resources and tuna stock within its waters. The country’s economy is heavily reliant on fisheries, with subsistence, artisanal fisheries and small-scale commercial fishing play a further critical role in local food security and protein intake. In light of the economic and social benefits derived from the tuna value chain, a comprehensive value chain analysis report was developed, serving as a foundation for local intervention under the Sustainable Fish Value Chains for Small Island Developing States (SVC4SIDS) project. The focus is on the domestic market, especially in the areas of South Tarawa, Makin and Nikunau, with the aim of enhancing sustainable development and competitiveness of the domestic tuna value chain in Kiribati. The analysis is divided into two main sections. Firstly, a functional analysis examines the dynamics, performance as well as roles and interactions of the different actors involved within the domestic tuna value chain. It delves into the various stage of the value chain, from the harvesting of tuna to the final sale in domestic markets, considering the value chain importance to national food security in Kiribati. The functional analysis is followed by a triple-bottom sustainability assessment. This draws from a range of primary and secondary sources; primary data was obtained through stakeholder and actor interviews conducted in South Tawara, Makin and Nikunau. These are complemented by various reports and studies from government and academic bodies that detail the performance of relevant actors. The assessment further evaluates the resilience of the value chain, paying particular attention to responses to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to better understand the mechanisms underpinning the country’s systematic responses and resilience.

Last updated 28/01/2025

Cite this content as:

Park, S. and Diffey, S. 2025. Domestic tuna value chain in Kiribati – Analysis and ten-year upgrading strategy (2023–2033). Rome, FAO.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3836en

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Language English

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