The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has completed a two-day animal health outreach program in Leitongo Village in Central Province, delivering veterinary services and livestock training aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and food security.
The outreach covered the three communities of Leitongo 1, Leitongo 2 and Leitongo 3, where households rely heavily on poultry farming, piggery activities and fisheries for income and subsistence.
The program was led by livestock veterinary consultant Rodney Starr together with Donald Narakana and Robert Palmer.
Activities included practical demonstrations on pig castration, treatment of mange infections and administration of veterinary medicines, alongside training on animal husbandry and livestock management practices.
Officials said community participation was strong, with youths and students actively taking part in the sessions, reflecting growing local interest in livestock production and diversification of rural income sources.
Despite logistical challenges including muddy terrain, limited sanitation facilities and attendance delays, the outreach program was completed ahead of schedule.
Mary Talo, a representative from Leitongo 2, said the visit was the first major livestock support initiative received by the community in many years.
“Most of us depend on pigs and chickens for food and income, but we have not had regular veterinary services. This program gave us new knowledge and hope to improve our farming,” she said.
Starr said the outreach formed part of MALD’s broader strategy to strengthen food security and expand agricultural opportunities in remote communities across Solomon Islands.
“By bringing veterinary services and training directly to remote island communities, we are helping households expand beyond fisheries and unlock new opportunities in livestock production,” he said.
According to the ministry, the program helped improve community awareness of animal health and husbandry practices while renewing interest in livestock farming as an alternative and supplementary livelihood activity.
MALD said it plans to continue similar outreach initiatives nationwide as part of efforts to improve access to veterinary services, strengthen household resilience and support the country’s agricultural diversification strategy.
