| Nunavut has the highest incidence of food insecurity in Canada, where 56% of Inuit households are believed to experience difficulties in obtaining sufficient food. Food insecurity occurs when food systems are stressed such that adequate nutrition is not accessible, available, and/or of insufficient quality. Inuit food systems comprising traditional and store food components are affected by economic, social and cultural transformations, and ecological changes, most notably associated with climate change. Inuit women have been identified to be particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, a condition that can be exacerbated by climate change stresses on their food system.;This research identifies and characterizes the key factors determining Inuit women's food system vulnerability and adaptability to climate change and human stressors, and the factors contributing to food insecurity. This research was conducted in collaboration with the community of Arviat, Nunavut, using a community-based participatory research approach. Arviat is experiencing a high level of food insecurity, particularly among women. Photovoice, semi-structured interviews with Inuit women (n=42) and key informants (n=8), focus groups with women (n=7), elders (n=3) and hunters (n=2), and participant observations were used to collect in-depth qualitative data.;Findings show that Inuit's food system in Arviat is sensitive to climate-related risks and changes, but climate change was not identified as affecting women's food security. Human factors such as financial resources and budgeting skills, store food knowledge, decrease in the transmission of country food knowledge, decrease in traditional training, substance use and gambling and high cost of living, negatively impact Inuit women's food security. On the other hand, a strong sharing network, governmental financial support and local educational initiatives help strengthen the food system and improve food security. |
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