A livestock outreach programme conducted by the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation, or SIART, initiative is helping strengthen food security and improve farming practices in rural communities across Makira Province.
Through activities including livestock outreach, agribusiness support and extension services, the programme aims to build the capacity of rural farmers and improve long-term livelihoods.
Led by senior officers from the Livestock and Extension departments, the outreach covered the communities of Su’Ena, Hakanipua, Makia, Mwanipua, Tawarodo and Sungesau.
The programme combined classroom-style awareness sessions with practical demonstrations focusing on livestock disease prevention, animal nutrition, husbandry practices and biosecurity measures.
Farmers also received hands-on training in basic procedures such as pig castration and proper animal handling techniques.
A community representative from Makia welcomed the initiative, saying the programme had provided practical knowledge that would directly benefit local households.
“This programme has helped us better understand how to care for our animals,” the representative said.
“We have learned practical skills that will improve the health of our livestock and support our families’ livelihoods.”
Veterinary services formed a key component of the outreach, with livestock treated for common conditions including parasitic infections such as mange and worm infestations.
Programme officers said many of the conditions identified were preventable through improved hygiene and feeding practices.
A livestock officer from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, or MALD, said the initiative aimed to strengthen rural livelihoods through practical training and improved animal health management.
“Our goal is to empower farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent disease and improve productivity,” the officer said.
“Programmes like this are essential in strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring sustainable livestock development.”
The touring team said limited knowledge of animal husbandry remained a major challenge in many rural communities, but outreach initiatives such as the SIART programme played an important role in bridging knowledge gaps and supporting long-term capacity building.
Despite logistical challenges, including transport and equipment constraints, the programme successfully delivered training, treatment and advisory services to participating communities.
Officials said the initiative was expected to contribute to improved livestock productivity, stronger food security and more sustainable rural livelihoods across Makira Province.
