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Food Insecurity among Inuit Women Exacerbated by Socio-economic Stresses and Climate Change

  • Qualitative Research
  • Published:
Canadian Journal of Public Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

To identify and characterize the determinants of food insecurity among Inuit women.

Methods

A community-based study in Igloolik, Nunavut, using semi-structured interviews (n=36) and focus groups (n=5) with Inuit women, and key informants interviews with health professionals (n=13).

Results

There is a high prevalence of food insecurity among Inuit females in Igloolik, with women in the study reporting skipping meals and reducing food intake on a regular basis. Food insecurity is largely transitory in nature and influenced by food affordability and budgeting; food knowledge; education and preferences; food quality and availability; absence of a full-time hunter in the household; cost of harvesting; poverty; and addiction. These determinants are operating in the context of changing livelihoods and climate-related stresses.

Conclusion

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 utilized 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.

Résumé

Objectifs

Mettre en évidence et caractériser les déterminants de l’insécurité alimentaire chez les femmes inuites.

Méthode

Étude locale menée à Igloolik (Nunavut) à l’aide d’entretiens semi-dirigés (n=36) et de groupes de discussion (n=5) avec des femmes inuites, et d’entretiens avec des informateurs issus des professions de la santé (n=13).

Résultats

La prévalence de l’insécurité alimentaire est forte chez les femmes inuites d’Igloolik; les femmes de notre étude ont déclaré qu’elles sautaient des repas et qu’elles réduisaient régulièrement leurs rations alimentaires. Cette insécurité alimentaire est en grande partie transitoire; elle dépend de l’abordabilité des aliments et du budget; des connaissances en alimentation; de la scolarité et des préférences; de la qualité et de la disponibilité des aliments; de l’absence d’un chasseur à plein temps dans le ménage; du coût de la récolte; de la pauvreté; et de la toxicomanie. Ces déterminants se manifestent dans un contexte de stress lié au changement des moyens de subsistance et du climat.

Conclusion

L’insécurité alimentaire des femmes inuites d’Igloolik résulte de nombreux déterminants qui se manifestent à différentes échelles spatio-temporelles. Le stress dû au changement climatique et aux facteurs socioéconomiques externes exacerbe les difficultés à obtenir des aliments en quantité suffisante. Les stratégies d’adaptation utilisées actuellement pour gérer l’insécurité alimentaire sont pour la plupart réactives et à court terme, et elles pourraient augmenter la vulnérabilité du circuit alimentaire aux stress futurs. Une intervention des administrations locale, territoriale et fédérale est nécessaire pour mettre en œuvre, coordonner et surveiller des stratégies visant à améliorer la sécurité alimentaire des femmes, à renforcer le circuit alimentaire et à réduire la vulnérabilité aux futurs agents stressants.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, McGill University, Room 308C Burnside Hall, 805 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, QC, H3A 2K6, Canada

    Maude C. Beaumier BSc &  James D. Ford PhD (Assistant Professor)

Authors
  1. Maude C. Beaumier BSc
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  2. James D. Ford PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to James D. Ford PhD.

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Conflict of Interest: None to declare.

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Beaumier, M.C., Ford, J.D. Food Insecurity among Inuit Women Exacerbated by Socio-economic Stresses and Climate Change. Can J Public Health 101, 196–201 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404373

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