The Malaita Provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening agrifood systems through closer collaboration between government, farmers, businesses and community groups during a provincial consultation workshop held in Auki.
The workshop, organised under the theme “Strengthening Provincial Partnerships for Sustainable and Inclusive Agrifood Systems,” was convened through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development’s STODAS Project at the SSEC Sikitae Hall.
Opening the consultation, Malaita Provincial Secretary Eric George said agriculture remains central to food security, livelihoods and inclusive economic growth in Solomon Islands’ most populous province.
George said stronger agrifood systems would require coordinated action involving government agencies, the private sector, farmers, civil society organisations, women and youth groups.
“This consultation is about creating practical, locally grounded solutions that respond to the real priorities of our farmers, private sector actors, women, and youth,” he said.
A major focus of the workshop is the establishment of Provincial Food Councils, which are expected to serve as formal coordination and decision-making platforms across the agrifood sector.
Officials said the councils would help improve governance, strengthen inter-sectoral collaboration and ensure provincial agrifood policies better reflect local priorities and challenges.
Participants are also examining opportunities to develop agrifood public-private partnerships aimed at improving market access, encouraging investment, supporting value chain development and expanding sustainable economic opportunities across Malaita Province.
The consultation also emphasised gender and youth inclusion, with organisers highlighting the importance of involving women and younger people in long-term agricultural innovation and productivity initiatives.
Expected outcomes from the workshop include validated Provincial Food Council structures, clearer stakeholder responsibilities, identification of key agrifood priorities and a preliminary pipeline of public-private partnership opportunities.
The initiative is being supported through the STODAS Project in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Funding is provided by the European Union and implementation is being carried out by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
