Materials
food and water preservation
ICH Materials 200
Photos
(3)-
Preparedness, Prevention phase : Food and Water Preservation
As food scarce after a cyclone, the bearing of more fruits and food before a cyclone is a way for the vanua to communicate with the iTaukei people to prepare in advance in terms of food security. \n\n‘Best practices’ as related to Traditional Knowledge refer to examples and cases that illustrate the good use of Traditional Knowledge in developing sustainable survival strategies for the indigenous communities. These survival mechanisms have been used and transmitted from generation to generation by the respective communities.
Fiji -
Traditional Food Preservation Methods⁃ Toni Kora (Fermented Grated Coconut)
Villagers of Qoma island (like any other village in Fiji) will wait at least four nights until they can unwrap and extract the mixture, for consumption. \nWhen collecting Kora after four nights, it is squeezed and placed in an air tight container. The presence of air in the mixture will spoil the Kora and cause food decay. \nThis food preservation method by salt makes water in food tissues unsuitable for germs to grow. Salt binds all available water, making it difficult for germs to grow. \nCoconut contains medium chain fatty acids (lauric acid) and with the process of soaking it in sea water it increases the acidity or sourness of food, changing the taste and increasing nutrient quality. \n
Fiji -
Preparedness, Prevention phase : iTaukei Food Preparation and Preservation Methods
The methods of traditional food preservation and preparation is vital in Disaster Risk Reduction. More so due to the villages accessibility after a cyclone. The Fiji Islands is made of tiny islands that are scattered around the main island and the furthest island only gets ship once or maybe twice a month in favorable weather. After a cyclone access to these islands may take over a week leaving the villagers vulnerable to food and water related disease. \n\nMost of the villages in the Fiji Islands are remotely located without proper access to road and by way of sea. This can be difficult especially after a cyclone. To sustain the victims during this period foods preserved the traditional way can assist. Such preservation methods include davuke, ika vesa, madrai vakaviti and kitu, to name a few. This method is beneficial as preserved food lasts more than a month if stored properly and not only immediate families are catered, the village can partake due to the quantity and quality of food. \n
Fiji