The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has formally concluded the Promoting Innovative Farming Systems to Improve Vegetable Production project with an End of Project Workshop held in Honiara.
The two-year project, funded by FAO and valued at USD 40,000, was led and implemented by MAL’s Research and Development Department. It focused on promoting protected vegetable cultivation to enhance productivity, increase farmer incomes, and improve household nutrition across the Solomon Islands.
The workshop provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review achievements and validate results, as well as to discuss recommendations for sustaining and scaling up protected cultivation systems. The project demonstrated that protected cultivation is a viable strategy for food security and income generation, while strengthening institutional capacity within MAL and among farmers, producers, and value-chain actors.
FAO’s pilot activities engaged farmers, government counterparts, and technical partners, demonstrating promising results even under challenging climatic conditions. The initiative emphasised capacity building, strengthened farmer organisations, improved market access, post-harvest handling, use of digital tools, and youth engagement. FAO plans to continue supporting the Solomon Islands Government by scaling up successful practices, including applied research and collaboration with national universities and regional partners.
Key achievements of the project include the construction of a demonstration greenhouse facility at the King George Research Centre, a pilot research trial comparing greenhouse and field vegetable production, the development of five practical manuals and fact sheets covering vegetable nursery and production management, and the conduct of two farmer training workshops. Nutrition and market development activities were also implemented, including awareness sessions, cooking demonstrations, and a domestic market analysis.
A draft working paper to guide policy and promote the adoption of protected cultivation is expected to be handed over to MAL in early 2026. The Research and Development Department noted that the project aligns with its mandate to advance agricultural innovation and productivity through evidence-based research.
MAL continues to develop improved crop varieties and livestock breeds suited to local conditions and market demands, while promoting sustainable farming practices that conserve water, enhance soil fertility, and reduce environmental impact. Collaboration with national and international research institutions ensures access to modern agricultural technologies, helping to strengthen the resilience and profitability of the Solomon Islands’ agricultural sector.
The project underscores the importance of innovative farming approaches in enhancing food security, boosting local incomes, and supporting sustainable rural development, providing a model for future initiatives across the Pacific region.
