Climate Change and Food

Mauritius was first discovered by Arab traders, but was officially settled first by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Soon thereafter, the Dutch overtook the colony and gave it its name, after Prince Maurice of Nassau (CIA). At the peak of the age of colonialism, when European powers vied for control over regions rich with natural resources or the potential to harvest crops with slave labor, Mauritius changed hands between the French, then British, and finally gained independence in 1968. Mauritius is currently a benchmark for economic growth: the island nation has "undergone a remarkable economic transformation from a low-income, agriculturally-based economy to a diversified, upper middle-income economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist sectors," (CIA).

Uniqueness

Mauritius has been and still is a crossroads of culture in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The confluence of cultures there, including European (British and French), East African, and Asian (Indian, Chinese, and Arabic) has impacted the evolution of Mauritian culture and especially its food traditions. The Indian influence on Mauritian culture and food is pronounced; there is a higher proportion of Indian people on Mauritius than anywhere else outside the subcontinent (Tinker). Brought over as indentured laborers primarily for sugar cane production, the Indian people on Mauritius, the Indian people on Mauritius have developed their own unique customs, traditions, and even folktales (Benoit; Haring).

Food

The food of Mauritius reflects the diversity of its people. Some of the most popular dishes have a predominantly Indian influence, including various curries and fried snacks including puri (deep fried bread) and paratha (pan fried bread). However, there are also dishes with Chinese influence including dim sum varieties, and an abundance of fusion foods made by chefs at upscale hotels. Heart of palm, fresh, is a local delicacy just as much as one of the most ubiquitous seafood on Mauritius: octopus. Octopus curry is common, but pickled octopus may be more ubiquitous as a beachfront snack (Smith). Mauritian food is balanced and flavorful, with chili being abundantly used without dominating flavors. Acids from natural toddy vinegars provide balance, as well as of course, local sugar. Fruits grow abundantly in Mauritius, particularly Indian ones like mango but also fruits that originally came from North America. Vegetables grown on Mauritius also vary and include chayote and brinjal. Smoked fish and barbeque fish are commonplace as well; as are characterful creole stews reminiscent of the food of New Orleans such as rougaillle (Smith).

Religion

About half the Island is Hindu (48.5%), and a full quarter is Roman Catholic (26.3%). However, a substantial number (17.3%) are Muslim. The rest of the population is either Protestant or unspecified (CIA).

Health Beliefs

Health beliefs are varied. While the literature does not reveal many impediments to healthcare, differential mortality rates linked to lifestyle and dietary choices reveal social stratifications with those at the lower level of the socioeconomic scale more likely to have problems (Smith and Owen).

Challenges/Problems

Mauritius is being affected by climate change already and climate change will be its greatest future challenge. Storms have adversely affected many crops, but warming temperatures may have a net positive effect on outputs of banana, brinjal, and pineapple (Ramlall). Mauritian economy is highly diversified, and growth remains strong. However, climate change could displace a significant number of residents of Mauritius and other Indian Ocean island nations.