from the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development |
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Tackling the global burden of malnutrition is one of society’s biggest challenges. In the face of increasing ecosystem declines and changing food systems, addressing this problem requires cooperation across many sectors. Women play a critical role in small-scale fisheries in the South Pacific, where fish has been suggested as key to addressing high rates of malnutrition. With predicted declines in fish landings of more than 20% in the coming decades, it is crucial that we understand the important role that fish plays in women’s nutrition and consider how we can better manage fisheries for food and nutritional security.
In a new JAFSCD article, “The importance of nutrition-sensitive fisheries management: Women's dietary diversity in Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands,” authors Dr. Sheridan Rabbitt (corresponding author), Emeritus Professor Ian Lilley, Associate Professor Simon Albert, Dr. Joelle Albert, and Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts present results of a two-year study undertaken in a rural coastal village in Solomon Islands. By assessing women’s dietary diversity, a proxy for micronutrient adequacy, the team highlights the importance of fresh fish and other seafoods to women’s diets.
KEY FINDINGS - Women's dietary diversity was low, with just over 5% of women achieving minimum dietary diversity.
Most women consumed foods from only three of the 10 food groups.
Fish plays an important role in women’s diets; over 70% of women surveyed consumed fresh seafood in three of the four sampling periods. During the mourning period, consumption of fresh seafood was greatly reduced, while consumption of canned tuna increased. Consumption of reef fish was double that of pelagic fish, which are primarily caught by men.
Dietary diversity varied across sampling periods, with consumption of nuts (a highly seasonal food) accounting for most of the variance.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH
Seasonality of local foods, such as nuts and fruits, affect dietary diversity and nutrition. To better capture true nutrition, we recommend sampling throughout the year, using local seasonal calendars to help inform sampling times, where possible.
Targeted public health interventions remain essential in Solomon Islands. Women in rural and urban areas face different challenges in accessing nutritious foods, and we encourage public health campaigns to consider employing different strategies for rural and urban areas.
We encourage fisheries managers and those working in public health to work collaboratively to tackle the problem of malnutrition. Well managed fisheries are vital to improving women’s dietary quality, and it is important for public health authorities to continue to encourage women to consume a variety of different seafoods, including reef and pelagic fish, and invertebrates.
PLEASE SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Suggested Facebook post: Can fish help tackle the global burden of malnutrition? A new paper from The University of Queensland & Island Elements looks at the importance of fresh fish to women’s dietary diversity in a South Pacific community—and considers how well-managed fisheries could contribute to improved nutrition. Read the full JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2023.131.004
Suggested tweet: What role does fish play in dietary quality? Assessing women’s dietary diversity in Solomon Islands shows why fisheries management needs a nutrition lens. #fish #nutrition #solomonislands #uqueensland Read @JAFSCD article for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2023.131.004
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Photo above: A woman cooks reef fish on hot coals, Fumato'o, Malaita Province, Solomon Islands. Photo by Filip Milovac for WorldFish; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.. https://flic.kr/p/vtX2r4 |
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Don't miss out on this fantastic job opportunity! |
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Senior Washington Representative, Food & Environment Remote/Hybrid — Washington, D.C.
The Union of Concerned Scientists is seeking a Senior Washington Representative for its Food & Environment Program, to work as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes dedicated research outreach and communications staff in addition to policy advocates.
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The Senior Washington Representative will also play a key role in crafting future campaigns on food and agriculture issues; potentially supervise and mentor junior legislative staff; and communicate with coalition partners, media, and other stakeholders. |
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