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Tuvalu National Compost Feasibility Study

In Tuvalu, where low soil fertility and sea-level rise due to climate change is affecting people’s ability to grow food, Arid Edge’s research shows how composting can provide a much-needed nutrient boost to sandy soils and help people to access to more nutritious food.

Tuvalu, located in the Pacific, is one of the smallest nations in the world. A collection of low-lying atolls, Tuvalu is particularly vulnerable to food insecurity due to climate change and low soil fertility. Arid Edge, partnering with Live and Learn Environmental Education, was contracted to undertake a feasibility study for increased compost production as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Tuvalu Food Futures program.

Compost production is an important climate adaptation and food security strategy because it increases soil fertility for land-based agriculture and supports the development of more innovative raised bed horticulture that is less vulnerable to saltwater intrusion from sea level rise. The final report will be launched in late 2020.

Pulaka, or swamp taro, is traditionally grown in pits, close to the water table. Increasing sea levels are threatening pulaka pits and this important food source.