Nauru is one of the world’s smallest countries consisting of a single island of 21 square kilometers; the Island has a central plateau 40–60 meters above sea level with a surrounding strip of coastal land 150–300 meters wide, where most of the population of approximately 9,000 live. Nauru’s economy has largely been based on phosphate mining for many decades and the export of phosphate has been the island’s only income, apart from some overseas investment. Phosphate export had afforded a high standard of living and high buying power for the people of Nauru for decades. With the phosphate stock now almost depleted and the downfall of the economy there has been an emergence of critical thought on sustainable livelihoods. A major concern of both the government of Nauru and the donor community is the worsening food security situation faced by the country. A food deficiency crisis is expected to deteriorate unless appropriate arrangements are immediately implemented. Soaring global food prices coupled with the government’s financial difficulties and very high levels of foreign and domestic debt22 mean that the majority of people of Nauru can barely afford the high cost of imported food products.

View NMTPF Nauru Report