On 13 March, Tropical Cyclone Pam caused severe damage to agriculture in Vanuatu’s six provinces posing immediate and long-term threats to food security. The government of Vanuatu through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity requested FAO assistance in responding to  agriculture.

In response, FAO has begun providing assistance to over 10,000 cyclone-affected farming households in Vanuatu and has secured 600 kg of vegetable seeds from international suppliers. The vegetable seed packs include bean, cucumber, sweet corn, watermelon, squash and papaya seeds. The seeds are in the process of distribution and families will be able to start planting soon and households will have available fresh produce for home consumption and help secure household nutrition.

FAO plans to re-establish agro-forests by providing tools, seeds and planting materials and supporting land preparation for a rapid resumption of food production and cash crops.

Establishing tree nurseries will produce high quality seedlings for distribution to needy families and other households, encouraging their planting in diverse mixed cropping. Agroforestry systems including perennial tree crops, fast growing fuelwood species and high value timber producing trees intercropped with vegetable gardens is a feasible and proven approach for producing seedlings for re establishing home gardens and agroforests.

Food and cash crops intercropped with tree seedlings that are commonly grown and familiar to rural farmers include kumara, cassava, taro and vegetables. The root crops are also important for resilience as they are hardy against heavy rains and storms.

At the request of the government of Vanuatu, FAO is formulating long-term rehabilitation proposals to support strengthening of agriculture extension services and the establishment of a seed and germplasm bank.

FAO is working with the Government-led Vanuatu Food Security and Agriculture Cluster which is directing an integrated response by NGOs, UN agencies, government and donors to safeguard food security throughout the country.

FAO is leading the agriculture section of the Post Disaster Needs Assessment report is currently under review.