Sustaining Brak Cultivation in a Changing Climate
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Overview
Overview
The cultivation of Brak (giant swamp taro) on Kayangel Island, Palau, is under threat due to changing climate patterns, poor soil fertility, salinity of pist where taro is grown, and loss of traditional knowledge. Brak holds deep cultural and nutritional significance for islanders, yet its decline has coincided with increased reliance on imported, ultra-processed foods, contributing to rising non-communicable diseases. Efforts to sustain Brak cultivation through a combination of farmers traditional knowledge and practice and scientific soil and plant analysis. Soil samples from three Brak swamps were collected and analysed to assess fertility and identify limiting factors. Concurrently, plant nutrient content was studied to inform better nutrient management. Farmers emphasised Brak’s social value: it is grown for community use, not commerce, and almost all women on Kayangel are engaged in its farming. However, stagnant freshwater and invasive species like water hyacinth are increasingly affecting yields. To address this, the initiative explores adaptive methods such as raised beds using traditional pandanus baskets, improved drainage, and targeted composting to strengthen food sovereignty, restore soil health, and preserve cultural identity in the face of environmental and social pressures.
Key actors
Key actors
Women farmers of Kayangel, custodians of Brak cultivation and traditional methods
Ebil Ungilreng Takawo –first-ranking woman on Kayangel, cultural knowledge holder
Larry Mamis, Chief, Division of Forest, Land, and Water, Brak advocate
Palau Bureau of Agriculture supported phytosanitary certification for soil export
Soil scientists and water engineers
Research team and community surveyors – facilitated field collection, data analysis, and interpretation
Alignment with EAT-Lancet Commission
Alignment with EAT-Lancet Commission
This story aligns with the EAT-Lancet Commission through its focus on:
Healthy diets: Brak is a nutritious, locally sourced alternative to processed imports.
Sustainable food systems: Promote traditional, low-input farming rooted in ecological knowledge.
Equity and cultural relevance: Prioritises indigenous knowledge and women-led agriculture.
Systemic transformation: Integrates science with culture to regenerate food environments.
Progress is measured through a mix of scientific and community-based indicators: Improved soil pH, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels based on lab results. Increase in Brak yield (kg per plant and per swamp) over time. Reduction in stagnant water and water hyacinth spread. Farmer feedback on crop health, knowledge uptake, and satisfaction with new methods. Continuity of Brak farming among younger women and families.
Lessons learned
Lessons learned
Reviving traditional crops requires more than technical fixes; it demands deep engagement with cultural values and community structures. While scientific testing uncovered soil fertility gaps, the most valuable insight was the central role women play in sustaining Brak cultivation. Without their participation and leadership, technical solutions alone will fall short. Protecting culture and food systems must go hand-in-hand.
Next steps
Next steps
Continue work in Kayangel, the insights gained will not only enhance groundwater management but also contribute to the broader understanding of swamp taro health.
Train women farmers in soil fertility enhancement techniques
Continue monitoring freshwater and salinity testing to assess waterlogging and invasive plant risks
Engage with local government and traditional leaders to co-develop a Brak preservation plan
Utilise this learning to inform strategies for other Pacific islands facing similar environmental challenges
For more information contact: Karen Mapusua at karenm@spc.int
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