Page 16 - IB March 2021

system is fundamental to food security and contributes to a country’s osecurity and quarantine regulatory authorities and agencies in Pacific
resilience in times of crisis. Seed systems are threatened by COVID-19 countries to strengthen existing pre-border, border and post-border
as transport and mobility channels have been severely restricted, slow- systems. Additionally, plant protection rapid detecting test field kits for
ing down supply at a time when it is most crucial. Increased travel and plant diseases will be disseminated to the countries. Personal protec-
transport costs, as well as time constraints, add to the pressures being tive equipment (PPE) such as face masks, plastic face shields, disposable
faced by seed systems. hand gloves and alcohol hand sanitisers will be provided to biosecu-
PRISCO19 and MICCO19 are responding by ensuring availability and rity officers at the border for their use and protection against the virus.
access to diverse, resilient and nutritional crop varieties to support in- The virtual training of trainers being conducted under PRISCO19 and
come and food and nutritional security. SPC LRD is working strategically MICCO19 includes biosecurity surveillance techniques to identify, in-
with member countries and the relevant Ministries/Departments of Ag- spect and apply needed treatments to reduce biosecurity threat in these
riculture and/or Natural Resources to identify priority crops and acquire high-risk pathways (such as imported seeds, animal and plant products,
seeds from recognised seed organisations. Contributing to this work is etc). Biosecurity continues to be the first line of defence against exotic
The Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT), established under SPC pests and diseases as it ensures safe transportation and importation of
LRD and the only regional gene bank in the Pacific that stores plant ge- biosecurity related commodities, leading to improved food security in
netic resources. CePaCT works to conserve and distribute crop genetic the region.
diversity to improve food security through science and technology. This
focus has shifted to address the pandemic through identifying, produc- Short-term Value Chains and Good governance
ing and supplying high-quality seeds of resilient crop varieties. CePaCT Supporting short term value chains is essential to help communities
will mass-produce clonal crop seedlings for dissemination in response and households generate income during this difficult time. Through
to requests. The majority of the seed requests have come from Tuvalu, PRISCO19 SPC LRD is working with countries to provide support in val-
Backyard gardening contributes to household food and nutrition security. Photo: SPC LRD In the context of COVID-19, home gardening can be an effective strategy to strengthen local food Solomon Islands, Tonga, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea and Kiribati. ue-adding and distribution of small equipment and machines such as
production and promote resilient food systems. Photo: SPC LRD
At the national level, the relevant Ministries will distribute the seeds, coconut scrapers, electric peelers for taro chips, dryers for fruit drying,
maintaining a database of households, farmers and communities that packaging and preservation and conservation techniques.
MICCO19 in the Micronesian region adds focus on good governance
Protecting food security in the face of COVID-19 are supported, followed by periodic monitoring and pest management that is integrated throughout the response. Poor governance can be a
household training and assistance. The Pacific Seeds for Life (PS4L) ini-
tiative launched in 2018 will help to sustain this seed systems support. major driver of food insecurity and undermines timely emergency re-
SPC Land Resources Division edge products (awareness material, handouts, etc) are provided to es- sponse, especially during times of crisis such as the current pandemic.
In a move to help boost food security as the Pacific recovers from CO- tablish and maintain integrated backyard gardens, including crops and Good governance, on the other hand, ensures effective distribution and
VID-19, The Pacific Community’s (SPC) Land Resources Division (LRD) livestock. This includes guidelines on pest and disease management, management of food resources and builds more resilient and responsive
has established two rapid response projects: The Pacific Regional Inte- soil health, good agricultural practices and models for integrated back- systems to meet the challenges of these types of crises. COVID-19 is
grated Food and Nutrition Security Initiative to COVID-19 (PRISCO19) yard gardening targeted at urban and other populated areas that include exacerbating socioeconomic and political issues, as well as inequalities,
and the Micronesia COVID-19 Response (MICCO19). short-term vegetables, crops and small livestock. The projects also aim in vulnerable communities. A people-centred approach that is compre-
As the anniversary of the Coronavirus pandemic passes in March to encourage more families and communities to grow crops and see po- hensive, gender-responsive, and that prioritises human rights and good
2021, food security in the region continues to deteriorate. Even the Pa- tential in unused lands to be utilised for farmland. governance, is integral to an effective COVID-19 response so that no one
cific region’s small, isolated island states and territories, sprawled across Home backyard gardens are common in the Pacific but despite their is left behind.
the largest body of water on Earth, have suffered from the effects of many benefits have been decreasing due to urbanisation. PRISCO19 and
COVID-19. The disease has disrupted already limited access to essen- MICCO19 will help revitalise this practice during the pandemic and be- Beyond COVID-19
tial services such as health and has struck at the heart of the region’s yond through awareness-raising and promoting local foods to improve Food security was already threatened before the COVID-19 pandemic
economy in the tourism and agriculture sectors. The unique context of overall nutrition and food security. by other factors such as global warming, diseases, poor soil conditions,
the region poses additional challenges as the majority of our small is- increased demand, and population growth. COVID-19 only exacerbated
land developing states stand directly at the frontlines of climate change. Improving animal health and production these issues but at the same time shed light on the vulnerabilities in the
Pacific peoples must surmount extreme weather events such as tropical In addition to backyard gardening, PRISCO19 and MICCO19 are fo- current food production system. SPC LRD’s work under PRISCO19 and
cyclones while striving to conserve their cultural identity as they ne- cused on improving livestock production systems. COVID-19 trained MICCO19 are vital and responsive to COVID-19 but also addresses the
gotiate the ever-changing globalisation arena. The devastation caused a harsh spotlight on the livestock industry after its speculated origins gaps exposed by the pandemic to ensure more sustainable action on
by the pandemic, exacerbated by natural disasters, has left farmers and erupted in the wet markets of China and spread across the world. Meat resilient food security in the Pacific.
communities vulnerable. Maintaining food production in current condi- consumption rapidly declined as export pathways were restricted and PRISCO19 and MICCO19 are coordinated closely as part of the larger
tions is costly, and for many, not possible without support. the stigma around animal meat increased. In the Pacific, livestock is an EU programme Pacific Regional Integration Support (PRISE), a Euro 37
SPC LRD has quickly engaged with key partners, governments, rel- important cultural element as is evident by its slaughter for feasts at Strengthened biosecurity is critical to minimise diseases like African Swine Fever, which could million initiative that will look at supporting greater economic integra-
evant stakeholders, farmers and communities to establish MICCO19 and traditional social events. However, the industry faces many challenges in threaten the pig and pork industry in the Pacific. Photo: PNG National Agriculture Quarantine tion in the Pacific region, and between the region and the global econ-
PRISCO19 to reduce the immediate impacts of the pandemic on food integrating traditional and modern aspects of livestock management to and Inspection Authority omy. Recognising the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the economy
security. PRISCO19 is focused on 10 Pacific countries (Cook Islands, Kiri- sustain production and productivity to meet food and nutrition security. Strengthening biosecurity and food security, PRISE is focused on strengthening sustainable pro-
bati, Nauru, Niue, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, The industry is also burdened by the high cost of feed and maintenance Biosecurity plays a significant role in preventing and controlling the duction and market capabilities within the Pacific.
Tuvalu), and to a lesser extent Fiji and Vanuatu. Similarly, MICCO19 will in a region that already has limited access to infrastructure to support spread of pests and diseases both at international as well as national Beyond COVID-19, PRISE fosters an inclusive and sustainable ap-
be implemented in the Northern Pacific (Republic of Marshall Islands, industry needs. This is exacerbated by the growing threat from both ex- inter-island borders. Biosecurity is vital to protecting human health, proach through integration with LRD programmes. At the regional and
Federated States of Micronesia and Palau) with an additional focus on otic and zoonotic diseases that demand a greater emphasis on animal agriculture and the Pacific’s unique biodiverse ecosystems by prevent- national levels, the approach will focus on improving the market and
strengthening good governance. health and welfare. ing the spread of zoonotic diseases, plant pests and invasive species. value-adding capabilities of Pacific countries and moving towards a
MICCO19 and PRISCO19 will prioritise sustainable production im- Through PRISCO19 and MICCO19, support is provided through the In times of natural crisis and disasters, biosecurity systems must be in hopeful post-COVID future that has identified the gaps and strength-
provement and value-adding, in addition to strengthening biosecurity supply of improved livestock breeds and the establishment of poultry place and adaptable to respond to pest and disease outbreaks, as well ened the protection of food security across key sectors.
services (services that minimise risks of exotic pests and diseases being and piggery units. Veterinary lab consumables, tools and equipment will as continue to facilitate the safe import of urgent humanitarian and re- PRISCO19 and MICCO19 are primarily funded by the European Union.
introduced) in the context of COVID-19. also be procured to support disease surveillance and the development lief supplies. These imports can also be pathways for biosecurity high- MICCO19 is also funded by the US Agency for International Develop-
of awareness and training materials on livestock husbandry practices risk items. PRISCO19 and MICCO19 will provide virtual training to bi- ment (USAID) with the generous support of the American people.
Backyard gardening training packages and waste management.
The strict COVID-19 lockdowns in the Pacific have led to growing
concerns about food shortages. Many households have turned to back- Strengthening seed systems
yard gardening to be more self-sufficient. PRISCO19 and MICCO19 will The seed is the first link in the food production chain, and it carries For more information contact The Pacific Regional Integrated Food and Nutrition Security Initiative to
promote backyard gardening as an immediate and effective approach to the genetic potential for higher crop production. Global seed systems COVID-19 (PRISCO19) Team Leader Naheed Hussein at naheedh@spc.int and Tel: (679) 3370733 | Ext: 35518
household food security and nutrition. Training packages and knowl- are grappling with the disruptions caused by COVID-19. A viable seed
16 Islands Business, March 2021