There is a need for more accurate data to better inform policy and decision makers of the impact of natural disasters.

This will allow them to quantify losses and damages and consequently, determine post-disaster food security needs.

This was one of the key issues highlighted by Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Jitendra Singh while speaking at the opening of the regional workshop on Reducing Risk and Strengthening Resilience in Agriculture and Food Security in the Pacific.

Mr Singh said as Fiji entered the start of a cyclone season, he could not think of a more important subject than reducing risk and strengthening the resilience of agriculture and food security in the Pacific.

“We live in the most vulnerable regions of the word when it comes to natural disasters,” said Mr Singh.

“The Government of Fiji recognises the high risk we face and the vital importance of investing in disaster risk reduction and increased resilience,” he said.

Mr Singh also welcomed the technical knowledge and support from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in building resilience within the agriculture and food security sector in the Pacific.

He also highlighted FAO’s support here in developing agricultural sector policies that integrated with climate change adaption and disaster risk management.

The event also coincided with the launch of a training resource that agriculture officers can take to farming communities. This demonstrates how they can reduce their risk and increase their resilience during disasters such as cyclones and droughts.

The three day workshop is at the University of the South Pacific Campus in Laucala Bay, Suva.

The European Union-funded workshop will end on Thursday.

EDITED BY: Filipe Naigulevu

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