Bhutan

Bhutan has made significant development gains in recent years, achieving middle-income status in 2023 after a decade of steady economic growth. 

The country’s economy relies heavily on hydropower, tourism and agriculture, but its development progress remains vulnerable to climate and environmental shocks. 

As a mountainous, landlocked nation, Bhutan faces increasing risks from floods, landslides and other climate-related events that threaten livelihoods, food production and economic stability.

Despite progress, food and nutrition security remains a concern. More than 40 percent of the population depends on subsistence agriculture for income and livelihoods, while over 25 percent of households cannot afford a nutritious diet. 

The country also faces the triple burden of malnutrition – undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies – affecting more than 40 percent of women and children.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Bhutan’s economy, yet less than 3 percent of the country’s land is suitable for cultivation. Imported food accounts for around half of national consumption. 

Strengthening the resilience and productivity of smallholder farmers is therefore critical to improving food security and reducing vulnerability.

Bhutan is also located in a seismically active region, while annual monsoon rains increasingly damage infrastructure, disrupt essential services and affect livelihoods. The growing cost of recovery highlights the importance of stronger preparedness and resilience measures.

The World Food Programme (WFP) supports Bhutan in addressing these challenges through nutrition-sensitive initiatives, including school meals and nutrition gardens that create markets for local produce. 

WFP is also helping strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, increase smallholder incomes and build faster, more effective emergency preparedness and response systems, in partnership with the Government of Bhutan.