Investing in a more food-secure and prosperous future for Pacific Island nations

The Pacific SIDS are rich in cultural heritage, agricultural biodiversity, marine resources and unique natural assets. Yet these island nations are extremely vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters and external shocks. 

Countries in the region struggle with similar challenges – from malnutrition, youth unemployment and migration to high food import costs and geographic isolation. Inadequate infrastructure and services hamper the production, transportation and marketing of local foods. 

With FAO’s technical support and guidance, 14 Pacific SIDS and key regional organizations defined priority investments that can help the region realize its shared vision of a more food-secure and prosperous future. 

The USD 4.6 billion investment programme, which champions country and regional ownership, will introduce a flexible and phased approach from 2025 to 2040 around six main components.

Activities will focus on boosting the production and productivity of existing and promising value chains by ensuring the needed infrastructure, knowledge, equipment and private sector engagement. The programme will also strengthen national and regional policies and institutions to mitigate regional and country specific challenges. 

Building on existing capacities and improved agricultural practices, the programme aims to increase the production and marketing of local products, ensuring no one is left behind. 

The programme will support ongoing efforts to promote greater awareness on nutrition and healthy diets. This will be done by strengthening the integration of nutrition education into schools and households. 

By scaling up innovations, including digital technologies and services, the programme seeks to improve connectivity, reduce transaction costs across agrifood systems and expand access to blended financing for producer organizations and SMEs. Sustainable ridge-toreef investments and climate adaptive ecosystem management will also support and enhance marine and coastal livelihoods. 

The investment programme, with its strong focus on results and mutual accountability, is in line with country and regional priorities and complements existing initiatives.