Intangible links between household livelihoods and food security in Solomon Islands: implications for rural development

Hampus Eriksson, WorldFish, Honiara, Solomon Islands; Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong, Australia
Reuben Sulu, Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), Honiara, Solomon Islands
Jessica L. Blythe, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, Brock University, Canada
Jan van der Ploeg, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong, Australia
Neil Andrew, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong, Australia

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5751/ES-11709-250418

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Abstract

Livelihood diversification has been the heartbeat of rural development projects over the past two decades. Many livelihood diversification programs are based on the often implicit assumption that introducing livelihood activities will translate into improved livelihood outcomes. In this study we analyze survey data from 235 households in Langalanga Lagoon, Solomon Islands. We explore relationships between household livelihoods and food security to guide the types of activities that may be appropriate for rural development planning. Results show high rates of food insecurity, where half of the surveyed households were moderately food insecure and a quarter of households severely food insecure. Importantly, we do not find any links between household livelihoods activities and food security; households valued livelihoods very differently. We discuss the implications of these findings for rural development planning.

Key words

livelihood diversification; Pacific Islands; rural development; rural livelihoods; small-scale fisheries; Solomon Islands

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