Director General for the Ministy of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Biosecurity, Timothy Tumukon
Vanuatu is leading the region in food system thinking and development, with significant efforts already underway to strengthen its resilience.
This was remarked by the Director-General (DG) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Biosecurity (MALFB), Timothy Tumukon, at a two-day workshop held to guide research on resilient food systems in Vanuatu.
The proposed research aims to develop a shared understanding of how various activities, projects, and policies can collectively strengthen food system resilience.
The findings from this workshop and subsequent research will support policymakers, donors, and government ministries in making informed decisions and designing future initiatives for resilient food systems.
“However, because the food system is broad and complex, discussing it and identifying priorities can be challenging,” said the DG.
“This workshop will focus specifically on food needs during disasters, particularly in response and recovery phases, allowing for more targeted discussions on collaboration.
“A key theme will be working together, as a systems approach relies on strengthening partnerships for greater impact.
“Vanuatu has already demonstrated the strength of its food system in disaster response. After Tropical Cyclone Harold, local food was distributed from the southern islands to affected northern provinces.
“Following TCs Kevin, Judy, and Lola, efforts focused on rebuilding agriculture through the distribution of local planting materials and seeds.
“Most recently, after the earthquake, seedlings and local food were supplied to those in need.
“To support these localized responses, MALFFB has been developing food banks, seed banks, agroforestry nurseries, and small livestock breeding centers in each province. Collaboration has also extended to key ministries, NGOs, and the private sector.
“As we begin these discussions, we can build on these strengths to define and develop a disaster-resilient food system for Vanuatu.
“The workshop will also identify knowledge gaps and explore how collaborative research can enhance our systems approach.”
The workshop brought together participants from various government sectors, including Agriculture, Health, Trade, and Education, alongside key development and civil society partners such as FAO, VSP and WSB.
Using a participatory co-design approach, the workshop ensured that the identified research questions aligned with Vanuatu’s priorities. The key outcome was the identification of research areas for future collaboration between the government and CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency.
Funded by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, the workshop was facilitated by CSIRO researchers in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Participants to the two days workshop