Supporting Efate Earthquake Recovery through Backyard Farming: Ensuring Food Security

Feb 28, 2025 | News | 0

The Vanuatu Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is supporting the Women and Girls Friendly Space (WGFS) in Black Sands run by CARE in Vanuatu in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Black Sand communities (Zones 1–5) have received vegetable seedlings and seeds to support backyard farming as part of ongoing recovery efforts following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila in 2024.

Under the Women and Girls Friendly Space (WGFS) project, the DARD and CARE in Vanuatu partnered to distribute dry seeds and seedlings to households affected by the disaster. A total of 75 households in Black Sands Community in Port Vila benefitted from DARD’s first contribution of vegetable seedlings and seeds.

The DARD’s Principal Agriculture Development Officer for SHEFA Province, Peter Kwari, states that the Department’s support aims to address the findings from CARE’s community consultation, which revealed the challenges women face after the earthquake, including job loss and difficulties in providing nutrition and food for their families.

“A post-earthquake assessment conducted by CARE in Vanuatu highlighted the economic challenges faced by many women in Black Sands, particularly those who lost their jobs in hotels and retail businesses. With limited employment opportunities, women expressed a strong interest in agriculture as a means to sustain their families. In response, DARD collaborated with CARE to provide vital agricultural resources to help them establish backyard gardens.”

As part of this initiative, 200 vegetable seedlings and 200 packets of mixed vegetable seeds were distributed to 75 households across Zones 1–5.

“Some of the women who received seedlings are hosting vulnerable groups displaced by the earthquake. On Thursday, February 20, we distributed seedling trays along with dried seedlings, enabling the women to plant directly into the ground. Some mentioned having backyard spaces, which will support their food security and, more importantly, their health. The mothers and girls were delighted to receive the seedlings today,” Mr Kwari expressed.

Mr Kwari says “This distribution aims to empower vulnerable households by ensuring access to quality planting materials, agricultural knowledge, and resources needed to cultivate their own food. By promoting backyard farming, the initiative strengthens food security, improves nutrition, and enhances the livelihoods of affected families.”

Along with distributing seedlings and seeds to the women and girls, DARD officers conducted information sessions on proper planting and seedling care. Recipients were also introduced to the Vanuatu Seasonal Crop and Market Calendar.

“The Department of Agriculture provided us with seedlings today, and I hope many women here can use them to generate income buy food for their kids to go to school. We appreciate the agriculture officers’ explanation of how to plant seeds and seedlings in order to obtain high harvests,” Leisandy Moses.

In the upcoming weeks, the WGFS Tent at Black Sands will provide services to women and girls on a variety of topics, including health and finances.

UNFPA supports the Women and Girls’ Friendly Safe Space.

The DARD remains committed to working closely with CARE in Vanuatut and other relevant stakeholders to support urban communities affected by the earthquake, ensuring long-term resilience and food security.

The DARD extends its sincere appreciation to CARE in Vanuatu for its continued support in strengthening food security in urban areas.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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