The importance of sustainable and resilient food systems on small island nations

Abstract

Small island countries in the Pacific import about half of the total food consumed per year, while countries in the Caribbean islands import as much 83% of total food consumed. Due to the size and influence of these counties, they are some of the most vulnerable to fluctuations in the global supply chain. This vulnerability will continue to worsen as the global demand for food increases. This is compounded by the likelihood of immediate food insecurity due to the frequency at which they experience hurricanes, monsoons, and other extreme weather events which can impact the ability to import food and goods.