The island state of Pohnpei, Micronesia, has experienced much change in diet and lifestyle since the 1970s.
Serious problems of micronutrient deficiencies and non-communicable disease such as diabetes, heart
disease and cancer have emerged, following the neglect of traditional local foods and the shift to rice and
imported processed foods. An awareness campaign on the benefits of local food, especially carotenoid-rich
bananas for nutrition, is the subject of this chapter. A community, inter-agency, participatory programme
was implemented focused on raising awareness on island food production and consumption. Messages
were shared on horticulture, cooking, food processing and conservation through mass media, posters,
print materials, photography, national postal stamps, workshops, displays, youth clubs, farmers’ fairs,
competitions, e-mail and slogans: ‘Go Yellow’ and ‘Let’s Go Local’. Research was undertaken in food
analysis, genebank collections and community case studies as part of a global health project.
As yellow-fleshed carotenoid-rich foods (banana, taro, pandanus and breadfruit varieties) were identified
and promoted, banana and taro consumption increased as did the number of the varieties consumed.
Carotenoid-rich banana varieties not previously marketed such as Karat, Utin Iap and Daiwang became
popular. Foods ready for consumption using local banana and taro varieties appeared in the markets
where these had not been sold previously. The awareness campaign stimulated great interest in Pohnpei
and throughout the region with invitations to present at international meetings and ‘Go Local’ workshops
outside Pohnpei. It was proclaimed as an awareness success and consideration should be given to applying
this approach to other Pacific Islands