Enhancing Food Diversification to Address Food Security among Fishermen in Davao Region, Philippines

Abstract

Coastal fisheries are vital to the country’s economy and provide a livelihood for many households in the Philippines. The fishing sector is a vulnerable group and heavily reliant on fishing for its livelihood. However, the country faced environmental constraints and societal challenges. To feed the growing population, food security must be ensured and nutrition knowledge improved across the fisheries sector and the country. This study aimed to assess the food security status of local fisherfolk in the Davao region, describe the common food groups consumed by the fisherfolk, calculate the fisherfolk's food consumption score, and expand food assistance to fisherfolk with a low food consumption score.  To achieve this, random sampling was employed using a semi-structured interview questionnaire. The Food Consumption Assessment Tool of WFP-FAO was used to analyze fishers' calorie intake across selected coastal cities and municipalities in the Davao region. The results revealed that coastal households across all municipalities have excellent consumption of cereals, meat, and milk, suggesting frequent intake of a nutrient-dense diet. However, consumption of fruits, spices, and oils falls within the poor consumption range, indicating limited use and rare consumption of these food groups. Results show that a food policy is necessary to address food insecurity among coastal households. Food insecurity will likely decrease by promoting local goods, such as backyard-grown fresh produce or container gardening for direct consumption. Furthermore, to address these problems and improve the food security of fishing communities in the Davao Gulf, coordinated strategies that support sustainable fisheries, diversify revenue streams, and provide access to foods high in micronutrients are needed.