THE Minister of Agriculture and Livestock acknowledges the country’s farmers, fishermen, food workers and agricultural product exporters for being the backbone of the country’s ‘food systems.’
At the same time, Franklyn Derek Wasi highlighted food insecurity as a global issue affecting not only Solomon Islands, but the entire globe.
He highlighted these issues in his keynote address at the World Food Day celebration at the FOPA village in East Honiara on Wednesday.
“Let us also, in this celebration not lose sight of our hardworking farmers, fishermen, food workers and agricultural exporters who are the backbone of our food systems.
“Their dedication feeds us, yet they often struggle to make ends meet. It is our responsibility to support fair trade practices and ensure that everyone in the food chain is treated with dignity and respect.”
Elaborating on food security at the national level, Minister Wasi said both rural and urban areas in the country experience high levels of food insecurity due to changing consumption patterns, urbanization and limited access to land.
He added that affordability remains a critical issue with the annual consumption expenditures in urban households twice that of rural households.
Minister Wasi said in urban areas, dietary energy primarily comes from purchased food, with over 50 percent of expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages in rural households, compared to less than 30 percent in urban households.
“At the country level, we face triple burden of malnutrition. The prevalence of undernourishment stands at 8.9 percent (2016-2018), with 32 percent of children experience stunting, 8 percent suffering from wasting and 16 percent being underweight.
“Additionally, we have a 4 percent of overweight/obesity and alarming rates of anaemia: 39 percent in children under five, 54 percent in pregnant women and 41 percent in non- pregnant women.
“Moreover, we face the urgent challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and resource depletion.”
As such, the MAL Minister said Solomon Islands must shift its focus towards sustainable agricultural practices that not only nourishes its population but also protects the planet.
And he said this means investing in regenerative farming, supporting local food systems and reducing food waste, adding that every Solomon Islander has a role to play whether as consumers, advocates or policymakers.
On the global stage, Minister Wasi said the harsh realities of hunger and malnutrition are evident across the world.
“Nearly 700 million people still go to bed hungry each night, while others face the growing threat of obesity and diet related diseases.
“These issues are intertwined; they stem from systemic inequities and unsustainable practices in our food systems.”
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
