Urbanization and the Urban Poor - Vanuatu's Food Security Challenge.

Abstract

Local staples in towns of Vanuatu are beyond the reach of the urban poor who rely on imported rice which provides cheap calories. Diversity in food options is lost and the urban poor's food security is dependent on the price of rice. National food policy, emphasizing self sufficiency, has led to the introduction of a tariff on rice. While successful in containing rural demand, the tariff has failed to reverse the high urban price differential between rice and local substitutes and urban consumption patterns have remained unaltered. The tariff has however, raised the cost of food to the already vulnerable urban poor. It is argued that rapid urbanization will increase demand for imported foods unless consumption habits change. Tariffs will not achieve this. Emphasis must be placed on reducing the cost of local foods relative to rice by improving their production, distribution, marketing, and widening food options and providing incentive to change of habits.