Wallis and Futuna, formally known as the Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands, is a self-governed French territory in the western Pacific Ocean consisting of two island groups. The Horne Islands include the islands of Futuna and Alofi. In contrast, the Wallis Islands include Uvea Island and its surrounding reefs and islets. The economy of the nation is quickly deteriorating and the leading causes of poverty in Wallis and Futuna are similar to that of most Pacific island states; that is, they are vulnerable to a range of factors that individuals living on larger land masses are not. Listed below are three primary causes of poverty in Wallis and Futuna.

Population Decline

In recent years, the decline in the island’s population has been drastic. In 2015, the population was estimated to be roughly 18,000. According to a CIA World Factbook report, that number has dropped to 15,964. The historical trends do not paint a positive picture either. In 1955, the island’s population growth rate was 2.15%. Currently, it is 0.22% and is expected to be -.34% by 2100.

Additionally, the population is disproportionately old, causing concern for a relatively large aging population and a lack of people ages 18-30 who could fill the widening void in the territory’s labor force. As of 2013, 42.2% of the population was aged 24 or younger and 8.6% were above the age of 65. This is significant because it reflects that just more than half of the country’s population is either slightly too young or too old to contribute substantially to the island’s economy.

Environmental Problems

The worst of all causes of poverty in Wallis and Futuna are environmental issues. Like many other islands, Wallis and Futuna are suffering from a declining supply of natural resources, in this case, due to deforestation. Since its origins, the island’s main source of fuel has been wood. Today, there are few trees left to cut down, with the only remaining substantial natural forests located on Alofi Island and a small section of Uvea Island. This level of deforestation has also left the mountainous terrain on the island far more vulnerable to erosion.

The islands are also becoming increasingly susceptible to climate events such as tropical storms, hurricanes and tsunamis. There are also no permanent settlements on Alofi Island because the island needs access to clean drinking water. Another environmental factor that has negatively impacted agricultural productivity is a lack of soil fertility on the islands of Uvea and Futuna, which have a mere 7.1% of arable land. As of 2012, the country was ranked 215th out of 218 in terms of government-protected land, at just 0.166%.

Limited Economic Diversification

As previously mentioned, the environment of Wallis and Futuna is not particularly suited to agriculture and in the past and present, citizens of the territory have relied excessively on the practice as a means of sustainability. As of 2001, 80% of the economy depended on agricultural revenue, 16% was dependent on service industry jobs and 4% on industrial jobs. As of 2013, the unemployment rate was estimated to be 8.8%. At the time, this was more than 1,000 people out of the country’s approximate population of 16,000.

A recurring trend among island states worldwide is that they typically lack long-term economic and environmental sustainability. History has shown that inhabitants of islands like Wallis and Futuna not only face constant threats of climate-related catastrophes and other problems, such as isolation from the global community but that their ultimate demise seems to occur after they have harvested all available natural resources.

Final Remark

The government of Wallis and Futuna has taken several steps to reduce poverty and improve the lives of its citizens. One such step is implementing the Wallis and Futuna Islands Convergence Strategy 2019-2030 in partnership with the European Union (EU). This initiative aims to develop the island’s tourism sector, diversify local production and contribute to food security. These efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing poverty and fostering sustainable development in Wallis and Futuna.

– Hunter McFerrin

Photo: Flickr
Updated: June 06, 2024