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  • Publication | 2025

New Sprouts: Diversifying Agriculture on Kiribati's Outer Islands

Global Food and Nutrition Security

This report assesses Kiribati’s agricultural sector and explores how enhanced food systems could provide alternative economic opportunities beyond copra production in the Outer Islands. The study reviews the broad challenges affecting the agriculture sector in Kiribati. In particular, it studies how limited food production, inorganized supply chains, and distortions from the copra subsidy contribute to food insecurity, malnutrition and widespread non-communicable diseases. It proposes a strategic framework for improving local food supply chains so they can generate income for Outer Islands farming households and enhance food security and nutrition. The study builds on the research conducted by the companion studies and advocates the reduction of the copra subsidy and the reallocation of part of the savings to the agriculture sector. It further delineates a set of incentives and policy measures designed to expand economic opportunities in the Outer Islands through enhanced food production and marketing.