Igloolik, Nunavut
Year(s) Funded: 2008-2009
Topic Area: Food Security Contact: James Ford, McGill University, www.jamesford.ca Partners: McGill University, Hamlet of Igloolik, Nunavut Independent TV Network Title: Climate change and food (in) security among female Inuit: A case study from Igloolik, Nunavut
Action: This research examined how climate change can affect Inuit women’s food security in Igloolik. It drew on a mixed methods approach, including semi-structured interviews, focus groups and interviews with local and territorial health professionals and policy makers Results: Results showed a high prevalence of food insecurity, with 76% of women skipping or reducing the size of their meals in 2008, and 40% reporting that they were not eating enough food when supplies ran out. Multiple determinants of food insecurity were identified, including issues surrounding affordability and budgeting, knowledge, education, preferences, quality and availability, absence of a full time hunter in the household, and the cost of harvesting. These determinants are operating in the context of changing livelihoods, addiction, poverty, and climate related stresses, which in many cases exacerbate food insecurity.Inuit women’s food insecurity in Igloolik is the outcome of multiple determinants operating at different spatial-temporal scales. Climate change and external socio-economic stresses are exacerbating difficulties in obtaining sufficient food. Coping strategies currently used to manage food insecurity are largely reactive and short-term in nature, and could increase food system vulnerability to future stresses. Intervention by local, territorial and federal governments is required to implement, coordinate and monitor strategies to enhance women’s food security, strengthen the food system, and reduce vulnerability to future stressors. Outputs: Publication titled ‘Food Insecurity among Inuit Women Exacerbated by Socioeconomic Stresses and Climate Change’ written by Maude C. Beaumier, BSc, James D. Ford, PhD. Additional Publications & Resources
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