Food Security
Fisheries and agriculture are the two most significant social and economic activities in the Maldives. Both fisheries and agriculture sectors play a significant role in providing food security for the people of Maldives. Tuna is the main source of protein for majority of Maldivians and the average fish consumption of fish by Maldivians is estimated at 181 kg/person/year, which is amongst the largest per capita fish consumption in the world.
Most of the staple foods in Maldives are at significant risk from one or more climate impacts. The climate change risk factors that might affect staples are:
- More droughts and shorter heavy rainfall
- Sea level rise
- 2OC rise in air temperature
- 2OC rise in water temperature
- Ocean acidification
Climate change-related impacts on fisheries and agriculture threaten food security in the Maldives. Such impacts will have a direct effect on the nutrition status of children and overall health of the population.
Due to the high import dependency, the food security of Maldives is vulnerable to climate change-related impacts on the agriculture of other countries.
References
Jauharee A.R. Local Planning and Climate Change. Wetlands Conservation and Coral Reef Monitioring for Adaptation to Climate Change. Climate Change Trust Fund. Ministry of Environment and Energy and Local Government Authority. Republic of Maldives. 2014.
MEE, (2015). Summary report on National Adaptation Plan Process in the Maldives, Climate change Department – Ministry of Environment and Energy, Republic of Maldives. Aug 10, 2015. Link