Building Resilience: FAO and Partners Nurture Food Security in the Maldives

On islands where land is scarce and the ocean stretches endlessly; every harvest feels like a triumph. In the Maldives, where only 27 km² of land can be cultivated and nearly 90 percent of food is imported, making the country highly vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and rising food prices. For many island communities, small-scale farming and fisheries remain the backbone of local food security. Thus, across atolls and islands, farmers, fishers, and communities are sowing seeds of resilience with the support of national institutions, international partners, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 

In March 2024, the Government of the Maldives, with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), launched the Maldives Agribusiness Programme (MAP). The USD 985,000 matching-grant scheme is helping farmers and entrepreneurs develop modern, climate-resilient agriculture across 26 islands in the northern atolls. Greenhouses have already been set up on 12 islands, and by mid-2025, the first six grants were awarded, with more in the pipeline. The programme is designed to increase local production, create jobs, and reduce dependence on imports.

At the same time, the FAO is playing a central role in building a stronger and more sustainable food system. Through its Country Programming Framework (2022–2026), FAO is working closely with national partners on strengthening food security and enhancing the sustainability of rural livelihoods, with emphasis on climate-smart agriculture and fisheries development. Key initiatives include supporting the first-ever Maldives Agricultural Census to provide high-quality data for evidence-based policymaking and strategic agricultural development. Assessing the design and effectiveness of Anchored Fish Aggregating Devices (AFADs) to enhance fisheries productivity and sustainability. Enhancing food safety systems by strengthening the Maldives Food and Drug Authority’s laboratory capacity for pesticide residue testing, along with training and capacity building. FAO has also introduced high-yield, climate-resilient crops, supported digital tools for farmers, and worked to empower women in agriculture and fisheries.

Together, FAO in partnership with national institutions and helping to create a food system that is not only more productive but also more inclusive, climate-resilient, and self-reliant.

These efforts are making a tangible difference in the daily lives of Maldivians and are directly contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly in ending hunger, reducing poverty, and tackling inequalities. Step by step, the Maldives is moving toward a future where its people are healthier, its food systems stronger, and its communities more resilient to global challenges. With one of the highest life expectancy rates in the region, the positive impact of these initiatives is evident. The UN remains steadfast in providing support, recognizing that as a Small Island Developing State highly vulnerable to climate change, the Maldives still faces significant challenges, including Environmental change impacts, and the need for sustainable development strategies that safeguard the well-being of its people.