Knowledge brokers help shape food futures in a changing Pacific

For communities across the Pacific, food security is increasingly intertwined with climate change.

In Kiribati, rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion and scarce freshwater are placing mounting pressure on traditional food production. In the Solomon Islands, rapid population growth and coral bleaching are affecting the coastal ecosystems that underpin fisheries and local diets. Global shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and dietary trends towards unhealthy imported foods exacerbate these challenges.

In recent months, these long-term pressures have been compounded by a series of acute shocks in Solomon Islands. Severe weather and flooding in early 2026 affected nearly 200,000 people, damaging crops, contaminating water sources and disrupting essential services. 

Shortly after, a category 5 severe Tropical Cyclone Maila brought destructive winds, heavy rainfall and coastal inundation, leading to widespread damage to homes and food gardens, with around 150,000 people affected. 

These challenges raise difficult questions for communities that depend on coastal food systems: What will their food systems look like in 10, 20 or even 30 years? And how can they prepare for a future that is increasingly uncertain?

These questions underpinned a recently concluded A$1.9 million project, led by Cawthron Institute New Zealand and delivered in partnership with CSIRO, University of Technology Sydney, WWF Solomon Islands, Pacific Community (SPC), Live & Learn Kiribati and regional partners.

The project worked alongside communities in Ijo Maringi and Sairagi in Solomon Islands and Abaiang Island in Kiribati to explore pathways towards more resilient and sustainable food systems.

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Kiribati: strengthening community resilience

In Abaiang, Kiribati, knowledge broker Mr Terereniti Tiiman played a practical, hands-on role in strengthening local food systems through climate-resilient approaches. He took responsibility for the agriculture adaptation pathway, building on experience gained from the Atoll Food Futures program, which was supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Live & Learn Kiribati. 

Working with his family and wider community, Mr Tiiman helped trial and promote water-efficient food production methods. They adopted improved gardening techniques, including growing food closer to homes and using less water. As a result, households were able to increase food production while reducing pressure on fragile groundwater resources. 

Increased harvests enabled families to generate income from surplus produce, while reducing reliance on imported foods that are often less nutritious and more expensive.

As a knowledge broker, Mr Tiiman supported peer-to-peer learning, helping other community members understand and adopt new approaches through demonstration and shared experience.

‘By trying these methods ourselves first, we can show others what works and what doesn’t. People are more confident to adopt new ideas when they see the results in their own community,’ he said.

‘Improving how we grow food is not just about survival, it also gives us more time to focus on our culture, our families and our community.’

Solomon Islands: women leading resource management

In Ijo Maringi, Solomon Islands, knowledge broker Ms Nerolyn Loni helped lead community-based approaches to sustainable fisheries management.

A community facilitator and member of a local fisheries management committee, Ms Loni works closely with women and families who depend on coastal resources such as sea grapes for food and income. 

Her experience highlights both the importance of local leadership and the connection between ecosystems and livelihoods.

‘Sea grapes really help my family. I harvest and sell them to pay for school fees and support our household needs.’ 

‘I also learned from this project that sea grapes are one of several food resources that will thrive under future climatic conditions. It has opened our eyes to the importance of managing our resources properly.’

Through her role, Nerolyn helped bring women into decision-making spaces, supporting more inclusive approaches to managing fisheries and marine resources. 

Looking beyond the pilot sites

While focusing on two communities, the project generated tools, methods and lessons that can be applied across the Pacific.

Dr Todd Sanderson, ACIAR Research Program Manager, Social Systems, Policy and Economics, said the project demonstrates the value of combining scientific research with local knowledge to address complex food security challenges in the region. 

‘Climate change is reshaping food systems throughout the Pacific, and there is no single solution to these challenges. What this project shows is that when communities are supported to lead the process, combining their knowledge and experience with research, they are better equipped to identify practical pathways for strengthening food security and resilience.’

‘The knowledge broker approach is particularly encouraging because it builds local leadership and capacity that will continue long after the project has ended. These are the kinds of partnerships that ACIAR seeks to support through its research investments in the region.’

At its end of project review meeting this year, Mr Ririmae shared that it was the knowledge broker model that inspired him.

‘The model encourages communities to entrust young people with greater responsibility and leadership opportunities. During the recent project phase-out ceremony, it was inspiring to see how much the knowledge brokers had grown. Many, who were once shy and hesitant to speak in public, were confidently presenting and sharing their experiences.’

‘One example is Mr Alofa, a knowledge broker from Sairagi, who has since joined WWF's biological survey team and now leads the fisheries sector under a community governance structure established through the project. His journey highlights how investing in local leadership can create lasting benefits that extend well beyond the life of a project.’

Learn more about the project: 'Transformation pathways for Pacific coastal food systems' (CLIM/2020/178).