How have food resistance strategies for strawberries, potatoes, and ‘qagħaq tal-għasel’ (honey rings) contributed to Malta’s adaptive capacity to combat food vulnerability and what are the untapped avenues to increase food security?

Abstract

Food insecurity driven by climate change, governance, and environmental limitations shapes the decisions farmers make—from crop selection to land management. On small islands like Malta, agricultural production is constrained by limited arable land, population pressures, economic dependence on tourism, and freshwater scarcity. This study examines local food production through public datasets, government reports, and semi-structured interviews with farmers, pastry chefs, and government officials (n=8), focusing on strawberries, potatoes, and qagħaq tal-għasel, a traditional Christmas pastry. Findings reveal a general awareness of climate change and the adoption of water-resilient practices such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. Shortened supply chains, young farmer policies, and access to cooperative markets like the Pitkali are helping sustain farming, despite rising land costs and competing career opportunities. Many farms are located far from farmers' homes, often on rented land with uneven soil and traditional rubble wall boundaries, further contributing to the decline in self-sufficiency. Strawberries are sustainably grown using plasticulture, while potatoes—exported during Northern Europe's winter—remain economically viable. However, qagħaq tal-għasel production relies on imported ingredients for consistency, although bakeries increasingly incorporate energy-saving measures. Malta’s farmers are not just food producers; they are stewards of biodiversity, soil, and landscapes. Their work is a labor of love requiring public recognition and support. Ensuring food security and cultural preservation demands policies and consumer awareness that value and sustain the contributions of these essential caretakers.