TOPIC:MAJOR FACTORS THAT UNDERMINE

FOOD SECURITY IN NAUSORI AREA

STUDENT ID: S11185754

NAME: RIKANSHA RIA KUMAR

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ABSTRACT
This research is formed on an assessment to determine the major factors that undermine food
security in Nausori. It will recognize the emergency present in the area, opinion of the people
who live in different areas of Nausori, establish the food security crisis and suggest ways in
which food security crisis can be addressed. The strategies used to meet the targets included
passing questionnaires, conducting interviews and doing research. The outcomes show that
there are confirmations of food security crisis in the Nausori area. This report will likewise
make suggestions.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT...........................................................................................................................................i
TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................................................................................ii
LIST OF FIGURES...............................................................................................................................ii
1.0 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
2.0 METHODS......................................................................................................................................2
2.1 GENERAL PROCEDURE..........................................................................................................2
2.2 QUESTIONNAIRES...................................................................................................................2
2.3 INTERVIEWS.............................................................................................................................2
3.0 RESULTS........................................................................................................................................3
3.1 RESULTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE DISTRIBUTED TO THE RESIDENTS OF NAUSORI
AREA................................................................................................................................................3
3.1.1 ARE PEOPLE AWARE OF FOOD SECURITY CRISIS?..................................................3
3.1.2 EVIDENCE OF FOOD INSECURITY YOUR AREA........................................................4
3.1.3 “WE COULD NOT AFFORD TO HAVE A BALANCED MEAL” WAS THAT EVER
TRUE FOR YOUR FAMILY?......................................................................................................5
3.1.4 FACTORS AFFECTING FOOD CRISIS IN NAUSORI AREA.........................................6
3.1.5 IMPACTS OF FOOD SECURITY CRISIS IN NAUSORI AREA......................................7
3.1.6 STEPS TAKEN AS AN INDIVIDUAL TO ADDRESS THE FOOD SECURITY CRISIS 8
3.2 RESULTS FROM INTERIEWS CONDUDTED IN NAUSORI AREA.....................................9
3.2.1 FACTORS AFFECTING FOOD SECURITY IN A HOUSEHOLD....................................9
3.2.2 THE GOVERNMENT’S APPROACH TO CURB THE FOOD SECURITY CRISIS IN
NAUSORI AREA........................................................................................................................10
4.0 DISCUSSION...............................................................................................................................11
5.0 CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................13
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................................................................14
7.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY.........................................................................................................................15
8.0 APPENDICES...............................................................................................................................16
8.1 APPENDIX 1: QUESTIONNAIRE...........................................................................................16
8.2 APPENDIX 2: INTERVIEW QUESTIONS..............................................................................19

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Title Page
Number
1 Are People Aware Of Food Security Crisis? 3

2 Are There Evidences Of Food Crisis In Your Area? 4

3 “We Could Not Afford To Have A Balanced Meal 5

Everyday” Was That Ever True For Your Family?

4 Factors Affecting Food Crisis In Nausori Area 6

5 Impacts Of Food Security Crisis In Nausori In 3 Categories 7

7 Steps Taken As An Individual To Address The Food 8

Security Crisis

8 Factors Affecting Food Security In A Household 9

9 The Government's Approach To Curb The Food Security 10

Crisis In Nausori Area

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Fiji is experiencing the effects of climate change that incorporates flooding and coastal
erosion which seriously influences food security. This research centers on evaluating the
major factors that undermine the food security crisis in Nausori area. It will be used to
identify food crisis in Nausori, establish the impacts and ascertain the opinion of the people
living in those areas. The report likewise features level of food insecurity in Nausori which
the government can use to make decisions for future for tackling the food security crisis.
Likewise, suggestions will be made to address the food security crisis.

This report is based on Nausori where data has been collected from different areas of
Nausori. Nausori has a population of about 47,604. Their main source income is usually
fishing and farming and people usually earn slightly above the minimum wage rate. It is a
place where many racial groups live in peace and harmony. Since Fiji is situated in a natural
disaster prone zone, a lot of natural hazards occur in Fiji. This makes it challenging to secure
food in Nausori. Food production declines due to limited resources in the area.

It is hoped that government needs to invest more to address the food security crisis in
Nausori. As per the eager Fijian government, Ministry of Agriculture at the National has built
up workshop that is continuous in Suva. The Ministry built up projects to present new
methods and techniques that could be received to farmers to improve their traditional farming
methods. Furthermore, Ministry has been researching on strategies to improve storage of
produce. It is conjectured that in this report not only the factors that undermine food security
will be discussed but will also suggest some ways individuals are taking steps to address the
issue. This report will help to educate the people Nausori on several measures that they can
practice to overcome the food security crisis.

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2.0 METHODS
2.1 GENERAL PROCEDURE
At first, the report began by searching the internet about Nauosri area. A trip to different
areas of Nausori was made where the questionnaires were distributed and interviews were
taken. These people included businessmen, people living in the urban areas, people living in
the rural areas who rely on agriculture, farmers and government officials. The respondents
had a week to give in back their questionnaires.

2.2 QUESTIONNAIRES
A set of questionnaires were designed to collect information from residents across many
areas of Nausori. A total of 100 questionnaires were given out randomly. The questionnaire
asked about their understanding of food security, the factors that undermine food security and
their view and opinions to combat the issue. However, a different question was given out to
government officials that asked for their plans, strategies that may be implemented to help the
locals combating food security crisis.(See Appendix 1 for a copy of the questionnaires)

2.3 INTERVIEWS
Village head and government officials were interviewed where they were basically asked
ways they think can help curb the issue, their roles and what they want the government to do
for them. The responses to most of the questions were recorded and classified. The questions
were short and straightforward as the greater part of the information required was gathered
through questionnaires.

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3.0 RESULTS
3.1 RESULTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE DISTRIBUTED TO THE
RESIDENTS OF NAUSORI AREA

3.1.1 ARE PEOPLE AWARE OF FOOD SECURITY CRISIS?

FIGURE: 1

FIGURE 1 : ARE YOU AWARE OF THE TERM "FOOD

SECURITY CRISIS"?

20%

YES
NO

80%

(Source: Questionnaire, Question 1)

Figure 1 shows the response of the people who answered question 1 of the questionnaire. The
graph above shows that 80% of the people surveyed are aware of the food security crisis.
However, 20% of the people are unaware of food security crisis. This concludes to us that
educating the people of Nausori about food security crisis can bring about positive outcomes.

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3.1.2 EVIDENCE OF FOOD INSECURITY YOUR AREA
FIGURE: 2

FIGURE 2: ARE THERE EVIDENCES OF FOOD CRISIS IN

YOUR AREA?

YES
NO

(Source: Questionnaire, Question 2)

The pie chart above shows peoples response when asked if according to them there are
evidences of food crisis in their area. 85% of the respondents stated yes as their answer and
15% of the respondents said no. By this it can be said that majority of the people residing in
the Nausori area think that there is presence of food crisis. When asked to explain how,
people stated that they cannot afford to buy some basic food items because of rising prices.

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3.1.3 “WE COULD NOT AFFORD TO HAVE A BALANCED MEAL” WAS THAT
EVER TRUE FOR YOUR FAMILY?
FIGURE 3 “WE COULD NOT AFFORD TO HAVE A BALANCED MEAL EVERYDAY”
WAS THAT EVER TRUE FOR YOUR FAMILY?

4 OFTEN TRUE
SOMETIMES TRUE
3 NEVER TRUE
DON'T KNOW

0
HIGH INCOME EARNERS LOW INCOME EARNERS

(Source: Questionnaire, Question 3)

The bar graph above shows peoples response according to their income earnings. They were
asked if the statement “we could not afford to eat balanced meals” was true for their
household. Majority of the high income earners stated ‘never true’ as their answer. However,
majority of the low income earners stated ‘often true’ as their answer. This shows that people
that have higher income are not affected by the rising prices of food products and low income
earners are severely affected that they cannot provide a balanced meal to their family.

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3.1.4 FACTORS AFFECTING FOOD CRISIS IN NAUSORI AREA
FIGURE 4: FACTORS AFFECTING FOOD CRISIS IN NAUSORI AREA
16

14

12

10

0
UNEQUITABLE POLITICAL POPULATION POVERTY CLIMATE PESTS AND
FOOD UNREST GROWTH DISEASES
DISTRIBUTION

(Source: Questionnaire, Question 4)

The pie chart above shows major contributors of food crisis in the Nausori area. People were
asked to tick the box that they think contribute to food crisis in the area. 33% of people stated
poverty was the main contributor followed by climate at 21%, pest and diseases at 17%,
unequitable food distribution at 10%, political unrest at 5% and population growth at 14%.

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3.1.5 IMPACTS OF FOOD SECURITY CRISIS IN NAUSORI AREA
FIGURE: 5

FIGURE 5: IMPACTS OF FOOD SECURITY CRISIS IN

NAUSORI IN 3 CATEGORIES
HEALTH AND NUTRITION POVERTY AND LIVELIHOODS EQUITY AND COMMUNITY

13%

31% 56%

(Source: Questionnaire, Question 6)

The graph above shows the 3 categories of impacts that affect the Nausori area. It is seen that
56% affected to health and nutrition, 31% to poverty and livelihoods and 13% to equity and
community.

The 3 categories:

 Equity and Community

 Economic inequality
 Family stress
 Gender inequality

 Poverty and Livelihoods

 Sales of household assets to uy food
 Increased debts
 Loss of purchasing power
 Increase in school dropouts

 Health and Nutrition

 Malnutrition
 Undernourishment of young children
 Reduced spending on healthcare
 Weight loss

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3.1.6 STEPS TAKEN AS AN INDIVIDUAL TO ADDRESS THE FOOD SECURITY
CRISIS
FIGURE: 6

FIGURE 6: STEPS TAKEN AS AN INDIVIDUAL TO ADDRESS

THE FOOD SECURITY CRISIS
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
IMPROVING USING FERTILIZER REDUCE FOOD WASTE SUBSISTENCE FARMING
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS MORE EFFICIENTLY

(Source: Questionnaire, Question 8)

The figure above shows different steps that individuals have taken to address the food
security issue. It is seen that subsistence farming is ranked at highest which shows that people
have used this method to support their income. People also have stated that they have been
reducing food wastage, using fertilizer wisely and improving irrigation systems.

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3.2 RESULTS FROM INTERIEWS CONDUDTED IN NAUSORI AREA
3.2.1 FACTORS AFFECTING FOOD SECURITY IN A HOUSEHOLD
FIGURE: 7

FIGURE 7: FACTORS AFFECTING FOOD SECURITY IN A

HOUSEHOLD
12

10

0
AGE GENDER EDUCATION REMITTANCES UNEMPLOYMENT DISEASES

(Source: Interview Questions, Question 3)

The bar graph shows response of the interviews taken of the village headmen. It shows
factors that affect food security in households of Nausori area. The factors include diseases,
unemployment, remittances, education, gender and age. It is seen that lack of education and
unemployment are two main factors of food security crisis.

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3.2.2 THE GOVERNMENT’S APPROACH TO CURB THE FOOD SECURITY
CRISIS IN NAUSORI AREA
FIGURE: 8

FIGURE 8: THE GOVERNMENT'S APPROACH TO CURB

THE FOOD SECURITY CRISIS IN NAUSORI AREA

PROVIDING AGRICULTURAL
ASSISTANCE

100%

(Source: Interview Questions, Question 6)

Figure 8 shows the government’s approach to curb the food security crisis in the Nausori
area. The government has provided agricultural assistance in the area. This includes
seedlings, seeds and basic agricultural equipments.

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4.0 DISCUSSION
Food security is defined by the FAO Committee on World Food Security as the ability of all
people at all times to have both the physical and economic access to the basic food they need.
They have to be able to grow or buy their basic food needs. (McGregor, 1985) The results
show that the people of Nausori are aware of food security crisis in accordance to figure 1. It
is seen that people have also seen evidences of food security crisis; this shows that food crisis
exits in Nausori (figure 2).

According to figure 4 and figure 7 it is evident that there are several factors affecting food
security in Nausori area. In a household food security is affect by factors such as age, gender,
education, remittances and unemployment. Age is a factor as people in different age groups
require different nutritional needs. Gender is a factor as people of different genders require
different nutritional needs also. The level of education a person receives concludes their
understanding of food security crisis. For instance, if a person is highly educated they have a
sound knowledge of overcoming the food security crisis in their individual households.
People getting remittances also differ as it is a source of income for some families.
Unemployment which is seen as the most concerning factor is ranked at highest in the
Nausori community. Many people are unemployed and are affected from the rising prices of
food item which makes them less vulnerable to purchase food to support their family. Factors
affecting food security in Fiji are unequitable food distribution, political unrest, population
growth, climate and pests and diseases.

Food security is a common challenge for all developing nations, and small islands are no
exception. (Sharma, K.L.2007) Impacts of food security crisis in Nausori are tremendous. In
accordance to figure 5, the impacts can be classified into 3 categories. The categories include
health & nutrition, poverty & livelihoods and equity & community. The health and nutrition
category shows that there is evidence of malnutrition, undernourishment of young children,
weight loss and reduced spending on health care. Poverty and livelihoods of people residing
in Nausori is impacted as there is increase in school dropouts, loss of purchasing power,
increased debts and even sales of household assets to buy food items. The result shows that
people are severely affected by food security crisis in Nausori area.

People had different opinions regarding food security crisis. The results did really show that
food security is a concern in Nausori area and people are trying their best to help curb the
issue. People have taken the matter seriously and come up with practices that can address
food crisis in the area. According to figure 6 people have been using fertilizer more
efficiently, reduced food wastage, working to improve irrigating systems and indulge in
subsistence farming. This enables them to save resources to secure safe and sufficient food. A
high dependence on imported processed food has resulted in problems of hidden hunger and
non-communicable diseases. (Elsevier 2018, p.83)

Governments in the Pacific Islands face the challenge of servicing dispersed and isolated
communities with usually limited funding. (Bammann 2007, p.120) The government’s
approach to curb food security crisis in Nausori has not been huge but commendable. The

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government provided assistance to the farmers of Nausori with agricultural tools, seeds and
seedlings according to figure 8 They have taken this initiative to help farmers to grow their
business which will eventually increase produce in markets. The agricultural assistance that
farmers receive permits them to keep accomplishing a maximum level of output. It allows
them to manage farms better and modernize their techniques to increase yields. For this
situation there is a lesson learnt that people should start taking action now to avoid future
frustration. It very well may be seen that the outcomes agree with the theory.

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5.0 CONCLUSION
This report is convincing somewhat, as it holds legitimacy and unwavering quality.
Therefore, generalizations can be made about it is obvious food crisis is a worry in Nausori
and Fiji as a whole. However, some disadvantages existed which obstructed the accuracy of
the results. More people should have been handed out questionnaires and interviewed as
Nausori is a large area. This would provide more convincing, realistic and accurate outcomes.
The opinions of other towns in Fiji should also be taken into consideration for better analysis
and presentation of results as food crisis differ from household to household. It is encouraged
to the upcoming researchers on this topic to have a larger sample of individuals to interview
and gather data from.

However, this report has revealed that with the support of government food security crisis can
be curbed in Nausori which will also strengthen food security of Fiji. It is also revealed that if
people work hand in hand this issue can be addressed. Food security is major issue in today’s
society and if people do and take it seriously it can be disastrous to Fiji in the near future.
Thus, food security crisis merits and requires pressing consideration by leaders and people all
around the world.

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6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are suggested:

 Government to introduce nutrition education programs in schools.

 Establish workshops for farmers to learn climate smart agriculture.
 Encourage the 3R practice in schools and communities.
 Government incentive to farmers in cash or kind to help grow their businesses.
 Awareness programs supported by Ministry of agriculture to educate people about
food security and aim to empower people to act against food crisis now.
 New government policies passed to improve safe, secure and sufficient food available
to all families.
 Creation of new jobs for youth and females to decrease the unemployment rate.
 Providing scholarships to university students to encourage more research about food
security crisis.
 Lastly, it is recommended the action against food crisis plan strategies should be
implemented where ground people should be included. Explaining and making them
understand in their language will display profound actions against food security crisis.

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7.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bammann, H. 2007, “ Pacific Economic Bulletin”, vol.22, p.120.

Elsevier, B. V. 2018, “Neo- traditional approaches for ensuring food security in Fiji islands”,
vol. 28, p 83.

FAO,1999.Nutritional country profile of Fiji islands.

McGregor,D. 1985, “Food and Agriculture Organisation”, viewed 20 April, 2020,

http://www.fao.org/3/y4632e/y4632e0d.htm

Nausori village headmen 2020, Interview, 18 April

Residents 2020, interview, 16 April

Sharma, K.L.2007, “Food Security in the South Pacific Island Countries with Special
Reference to the Fiji Islands, no 35, March, viewed 19 April, 2020,
https://www.wider.unu.edu/publication/food-security-south-pacific-island-countries-special-
reference-fiji-islands

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8.0 APPENDICES
8.1 APPENDIX 1: QUESTIONNAIRE

TOPIC: MAJOR FACTORS THAT UNDERMINE FOOD SECURITY IN NAUSORI

AREA

Name:

Age:

Race:

Occupation:

Gender: Male Female

Marital status: Married Single Divorced

1. Are you aware of the term food security crisis?

Yes No

If yes, explain what food security crisis mean to you.

2. According to you, are there evidences of food crisis in your area?

Yes No

Explain how?

3. “We could not afford to eat balanced meals” was that ever true for your family?

Often true

Sometimes true

Never true

Don’t know

4. Do you have to tackle food crisis in your area?

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 Yes No

5. Tick the boxes that you feel contributes to food security crisis in your area.

Inequitable food distribution

Poverty

Political unrest

Population growth

Climate

Pests and diseases

6. Does the food security crisis have impacts to you, your family or community?

Yes No

If yes, specify the impacts and rate it from 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.

Health & Nutrition

Malnutrition

Undernourishment of young children

Reduced spending on health care

Weight loss

Poverty & Livelihoods

Sales of household assets to buy food

Increases debts

Increased workloads

Loss of purchasing power

Increase in school dropouts

Equality & Community

Economic in equality

Family stress

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 Gender inequality

7. Do you think food crisis can be addressed as a community?

Yes No

If yes, suggest ways in which food security crisis can be addressed in your area.

8. What are some steps you have taken as an individual to address the food security crisis?

(Tick the appropriate boxes)

Improving irrigation systems

Using fertilizers more efficiently

Reduced food wastage

Subsistence farming

Others (Please specify)

9. What are your opinions on what actions should Fiji government take to combat the food

security crisis?

10. Any comments you like to make about food security crisis in your area?

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8.2 APPENDIX 2: INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
TOPIC: MAJOR FACTORS THAT UNDERMINE FOOD SECURITY IN NAUSORI
AREA

Name:

Age:

Race:

Occupation:

Gender: Male Female

Marital status: Married Single Divorced

1. What do you understand by the term food security crisis?

2. Is your community affected by this crisis?

3. Explain some major factors that affect food security in your area.

4. What is your say regarding food security crisis that is affecting many Pacific Island

nations?

5. Are there measures taken by you to address the issue? If so, elaborate more about it.

6. Has the government approached to the community to help people regarding the crisis?

Yes No

If yes, please explain the actions taken by the government.

7. What are your expectations from the government?

8. Any other comments you would like to make?

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