Agriculture and food security
The Marshall Islands faces significant challenges due to rising sea levels and rapid urbanization, both of which contribute to severe food insecurity. As sea levels rise, cultivable land is lost to saltwater intrusion, making traditional farming increasingly difficult. The nation’s urban population has surged from 58% in 1980 to 77% in 2019, leading to a shift from traditional diets of fish and fruit to imported foods like rice, flour, and meat. This reliance on imported food is risky, as global commodity price fluctuations affect food availability and affordability in the Marshall Islands. Moreover, prolonged droughts due to severe El Niño events further exacerbate food insecurity by reducing fish stocks and harming coral reefs, which are vital for local fish populations.
Modernization and western influence have led many Marshallese to rely on easily accessible imported processed foods, resulting in poor nutrition and an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This dietary shift has had dire health consequences, with NCDs becoming the leading cause of death in the RMI from 2009 to 2019. The decline in traditional food production and preservation has further exacerbated these issues, making it essential to find sustainable solutions to improve food security and public health.
In response to these challenges, many Marshallese, particularly in the Laura community, have turned to backyard farming to enhance food security. Traditional crops like swamp taro are commonly grown, but there are a few innovative farmers who are challenging the norm by experimenting with new farming practices. These efforts are supported by various international and national support including the Taiwanese hydroponics mission, the German Government, Micronesian Conservation Trust and Marshall Islands Conservation Society, which not only introduces hydroponics but also provides support for farmers willing to try new methods. 
‘Traditionally we farm crops like swamp taro or breadfruit, leafy modern vegetables don’t really do to well here or we don’t have the skill to farm it large scale. But we have had several programmes like the Taiwanese programme and the German program which work to develop and identify varieties which work well our conditions and they offer the know how to.’
One notable example of innovative backyard farming is a farmer in the Laura community who has adopted an integrated farming approach to increase land fertility and diversify crop production. This farmer is pioneering the breeding of ducks, chickens, and pigs in a circular farming system—a first in the Marshall Islands. This approach involves using animal manure to enrich the soil, creating a sustainable and fertile environment for growing a variety of vegetables and fruit trees, including many firsts such as sorghum, star fruit, and bele (slippery cabbage, Abelmoschus manihot). 
‘Unlike many others in Majuro, I try to experiment with circular farming principle, where I grow crops and vegetables not just for me but also to feed the animals, I use the animals waste to fertilize soil. This way I get a more productive land and higher yields and better tasting meat. We are also the first to use ducks as part of our flock, and are growing plants that we Marshallese don’t really eat, like bele and star fruit, sorghum but is common in our neighbouring countries like Fiji. ’
While backyard gardening in the Marshall Islands faces challenges such as soil availability and quality, the commitment of local farmers and support from initiatives like the Taiwanese hydroponics mission are making a difference. The farmer in Laura, for example, has faced setbacks like crop loss due to king tides but continues to persevere and innovate. By using a combination of traditional knowledge and new farming techniques, this farmer is helping to build a more resilient and food-secure community.
The innovative efforts of backyard farmers in the Marshall Islands, particularly those in the Laura community, highlight the potential for sustainable agriculture to address food insecurity. By integrating traditional practices with new techniques and fostering a commitment to local food production, these farmers are paving the way for a healthier and more resilient future. The success of these initiatives demonstrates that with the right support and resources, the Marshall Islands can overcome the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization, ensuring food security and improved nutrition for all its citizens.
Nuclear Testing in the Marshall Islands and Climate Change
The Marshall Islands are not only facing a modern climate crisis characterized by sinking islands, loss of land, and forced relocations but are also grappling with the enduring scars of a brutal history marked by nuclear testing. From 1946 to 1958, the United States conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands, releasing a cumulative yield of 108.5 megatons of explosive power. The impact of these tests, particularly the devastating ‘Bravo 2’ test, which released 15 megatons—equivalent to the Hiroshima bombing occurring daily for twelve years—has created a legacy of environmental degradation and health crises that continue to affect the nation today.
This nuclear legacy complicates the current climate crisis, as rising sea levels and increasing temperatures threaten the already fragile ecosystems of the islands. The Runit Dome, known locally as ‘The Tomb,’ serves as a chilling reminder of this dual threat. Located on Enewetak Atoll, it contains approximately 73,000 square meters of radioactive debris, including plutonium-239. As sea levels rise due to climate change, the integrity of this containment structure is at risk, raising alarms about the potential release of toxic waste into the surrounding ocean. Honourable Minister for Natural Resources and Commerce, John Silk, underscores this compounded danger: ‘Before, we only had the impact of nuclear testing; now we have the more exponential threat of climate change, which adds to our existing nuclear radiation health and environmental issues. With rising sea levels, the dome is exposed to releasing more toxic wastes into our seas, which are our main source of food. The leaking of the dome will not only affect the Marshall Islands but also neighbouring islands in the Pacific region, as we share the same ocean.’
The intertwined legacies of nuclear testing and climate change have also led to significant human displacement. Residents of Bikini Atoll, one of the primary nuclear testing sites, were forced to relocate due to the contamination of their homeland. Many now live on Edjit Island within the Majuro Atoll, coping with the repercussions of this nuclear legacy while facing the additional pressures of climate change. While they receive monthly allowances, food supplies, and medical assistance from the U.S. government as part of a legacy program, this support has created a dependency that stifles initiative among the youth. One resident reflected: ‘The freebies have made our youth and children lazy; they are fully dependent on the monthly supplies to the extent they do not try to plant or seek employment.’
The migration of Marshallese to the United States, particularly to Arkansas, highlights the long-term impacts of nuclear testing and climate change. Many Marshallese in the U.S. struggle with low-paying jobs and face difficulties navigating the complex systems needed to access healthcare and benefits promised by the Compact of Free Association treaty. As climate impacts worsen, it is likely that more Marshallese will seek refuge in the U.S., driven by the compounded effects of nuclear contamination and climate change.
Despite these challenges, efforts to address the health and environmental legacies of U.S. nuclear tests are ongoing. Various organizations and youth groups are actively raising awareness and advocating for nuclear justice. In 2020, coordinated actions were established to draft a strategy for nuclear justice in the Marshall Islands, focusing on five pillars: compensation, healthcare, environment, national capacity, and education and awareness. A critical aspect of these initiatives is educating the new generation about the nuclear testing and its lasting impacts. By fostering a deeper understanding of this history, the aim is to empower youth to advocate for their rights and work toward a more just and sustainable future.
Within the National Museum (Ailele Museum) in Majuro, there is a simple yet poignant reminder of this history (Figure CS-23): a five-page table printed and pasted on blue vanguard sheets. This table, a national descriptor of the nuclear tests, serves as a sobering record of the events that transpired.
Role of Youth in Preserving Tradition and Culture Amidst Climate Change
The Marshall Islands face severe threats from climate change, with rising sea levels and increasing temperatures threatening both the land and the cultural identity of its people. Amid these existential challenges, the youth of the Marshall Islands are emerging as leaders, preserving their traditions while advocating for climate action. Jo-Jikum, a youth-led organization, plays a pivotal role in this movement, safeguarding Marshallese heritage and ensuring their voices are heard in the global climate conversation. The personal narratives from Jo-Jikum members below highlight their efforts.
‘The graffiti murals at Laura Primary School are more than just art—they’re stories of our people and our history. We paint our old chiefs, warriors, and demigods like Leatao—our version of Maui. We also paint our totems and traditional foods, our stories and legends that we collected from our elders. These paintings remind us of who we are, even as rising seas threaten to wash away the physical places that hold these stories. They’re a way of saying, We are still here.’ Watake Lanwe
‘The radio shows we host aren’t just about giving information; they’re about connection. We talk about climate change, yes, but we also tell stories, play music, and bring in role models and elders to share their wisdom. It’s a way for us to reach out to everyone and teach them what climate change means, how we’re all involved, and how we are resilient. By turning to our culture and traditions, we can remind ourselves that we have the strength to fight climate change.’ Mannley Compass
‘Mat weaving used to be passed down from generation to generation, but it stopped for a while, and now only a few elders know how to do it. To us, it’s more than just a skill—it’s a symbol of resilience. So we hold annual workshops where we bring elders and youth together to teach the younger generation how to weave mats. At the end, we have a competition, but it’s not just about the best mat—it’s about the connection between the past and the future. Through this, we are telling the world that we refuse to lose our culture, no matter how hard climate change pushes us.’ Mannley Compass
‘We try to send our youth to events in the Marshall Islands, the region, and global spaces like COP. It’s about more than just having a seat at the table—it’s about making sure that the voices of those most affected by climate change are heard loud and clear. When we stand at international events, we’re not just representing our islands; we’re representing our culture, our ancestors, and our future. Jo-Jikum ensures that we are prepared, empowered, and unafraid to speak our truth.’ Jobod Silk
Jo-Jikum, which means ‘your home,’ unites young activists to preserve customs while raising awareness of climate change. They ensure representation from each atoll, supporting members who return to their communities to share knowledge. Projects like the mat weaving competition and graffiti murals foster cultural pride and resilience, while figures like Jo-Jikums founder Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner and youth Coordinator Jobod Silk use poetry, music and performance to highlight the climate fight on the world stage. Through radio shows, music, and literature, Jo-Jikum amplifies the message of cultural preservation amidst climate challenges.
Educational outreach and workshops unite youth and elders, ensuring that knowledge is passed down across generations. These efforts not only protect the land but also preserve cultural identity in the face of displacement. By blending tradition with modern advocacy, Marshallese youth ensure their message of resilience reaches a wider audience.
In this way, the youth of the Marshall Islands are creating a powerful network of cultural resilience that is inseparable from their fight against climate change. Their efforts demonstrate that preserving heritage is not just an act of remembrance but a key element of survival and a political stand against climate-induced threats. Through their work, they craft a narrative of strength, ensuring that their culture remains a pillar in their fight for climate justice.
Water Security in the Marshall Islands: Challenges and Solutions
The Marshall Islands faces significant water security challenges driven by its unique geographic spread and vulnerability to climate-related events. Each atoll within the archipelago presents distinct obstacles, including limited freshwater sources, susceptibility to extreme weather events, and logistical difficulties in accessing remote locations. As one resident explains, ‘Each atoll faces distinct challenges, including limited freshwater sources, susceptibility to climate-related events, and logistical difficulties in accessing remote locations.’ This situation is further complicated by the nation’s history of U.S. involvement, particularly in relation to nuclear activities, which has led to some degree of infrastructural development in water management.
In the capital, Majuro, a unique adaptation has been made to enhance water security. The island has transformed its airport tarmac into a large rainwater catchment area, allowing rain that falls on the landing strip to be funneled into large reservoirs. ‘We have turned our tarmac into a significant rainwater catchment, which is a crucial source of potable water for residents, particularly on Long Island.’ This rainwater is then filtered and treated before being distributed through the water supply system. However, reliance on a single method of water supply poses risks, especially in the context of climate change, where the threats of prolonged droughts and intense storms loom large.
In response to these challenges, the Marshall Islands government has initiated several projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of water supply infrastructure. The RMI Water Security Project, for instance, aims to improve rainwater harvesting and storage, secure groundwater resources, and strengthen technical capacities. Another significant initiative is the ACWA project, which focuses on diversifying water sources. This includes upgrading rainwater harvesting systems and securing groundwater wells to reduce dependency on any single method of water supply. ‘We are implementing national measures like ACWA to improve rainwater harvesting and storage, securing groundwater resources, and strengthening technical capacities. This approach aligns with our commitment to address climate-related impacts on water security.’
While governmental initiatives are essential, local communities also play a crucial role in water management. For example, in the community of Laura, residents currently rely on various water sources, including rainwater harvesting and wells. However, they face challenges such as water scarcity, contamination risks, and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to ensure a consistent and safe water supply. One resident pointed out the inherent vulnerabilities, stating, ‘We rely on various sources, but the quality and availability are always a concern.’ The local council in Laura actively promotes water conservation awareness campaigns to ‘engage the community to emphasize the importance of responsible water use.’ Community-driven initiatives, such as shared wells and tanks, are also underway to enhance resilience against climate-related challenges.
Traditional practices significantly contribute to addressing water security challenges. Community members utilize efficient rainwater harvesting techniques that have been passed down through generations. One resident recounted the legend of the chief and the rat, explaining, ‘Traditionally, there was a water source at the rat imprint, where legend says young mother transformed into a rat to help her son, but when it was modified, by modern landowners to profit from, it became unusable.’ This story highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge in contemporary water management strategies.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), play a vital role in addressing environmental and climate-related threats to water security. Mannley, a representative from Jo-Jikum, emphasizes that key threats include extreme drought events and stormwater inundation. The organization collaborates on projects to enhance rainwater harvesting and protect groundwater wells, stating, ‘Our role is mainly to spread awareness and data collection to improve water security. We provide expertise, community engagement, and innovative solutions, which are essential for effective water management.’ The collaboration between NGOs and the government exemplifies the synergy needed to tackle water security challenges effectively. Community-led initiatives showcase resilience and creativity in managing water resources.
The collaborative efforts of NGOs, local councils, and community members illustrate a collective commitment to enhancing water security and resilience in the face of climate change. Through a multifaceted approach that integrates modern technology with traditional practices, the Marshall Islands can better ensure its water security for generations to come.
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