The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has officially launched its 2026 Strategic Workshop at the Raiders Hotel in Tulagi, Central Islands Province, under the theme “Transforming Agriculture for Economic Growth.”
The week-long workshop brings together MALD’s management team, senior ministry officials, provincial chief field officers, technical officers, and project managers to assess progress, address challenges, and develop strategic priorities for the future of Solomon Islands’ agriculture sector.
Officially opening the workshop, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, described the annual gathering as one of the Ministry’s most significant events, providing a valuable opportunity for staff at all levels to align their work plans and activities with the policy priorities of the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT Coalition Government).
In his address, Minister Wasi commended ministry staff for their commitment and highlighted several notable achievements recorded over the past year. These included the highest cocoa exports since Independence, the strongest copra export performance in a decade, the implementation of major donor-funded agriculture projects, improvements in agricultural infrastructure, expansion of livestock development initiatives, strengthened biosecurity services, and the successful mobilization of new development partner support.
“These achievements would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our field officers, directors, technical teams, corporate staff, and development partners. Together, we have continued to serve our farmers and rural communities despite the many challenges we face,” he said.
While acknowledging these accomplishments, the Minister also pointed to ongoing challenges, including limited resources, logistical constraints, shortages of technical expertise, staff welfare concerns, and bureaucratic processes that continue to impact service delivery.
He encouraged participants to use the workshop as a platform to identify practical solutions and develop recommendations that will guide MALD’s work programme in the years ahead.
Minister Wasi further outlined the Government’s seven key policy priorities for the agriculture and livestock sector: institutional reform, food security, research and innovation, livestock development, biosecurity, commercial agriculture and agribusiness, and the active participation of youth and women in agricultural development.
“Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors capable of transforming our country. These policy priorities must guide our work and help us deliver meaningful outcomes for our people,” he said.
Central Islands Province Premier Hon. Kenneth Sagupari welcomed participants to Tulagi and expressed appreciation to MALD for selecting the province as the host venue for the workshop.
He emphasized agriculture’s vital role in supporting rural livelihoods, strengthening food security, creating employment opportunities, and driving economic growth across Solomon Islands.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and the foundation of rural livelihoods. As leaders and senior officers, we have a responsibility to ensure that our policies and programmes effectively support farmers, agribusinesses, and communities across the country,” Premier Sagupari said.
The Premier also reiterated the province’s interest in working closely with MALD to revive the historic Hakama Agricultural Centre, which is widely regarded as having significant potential to support agricultural development initiatives in Central Province.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Samson Viulu highlighted the significance of hosting the workshop in Tulagi, noting the town’s historical importance as the former capital of Solomon Islands.
He described the strategic workshop as an important platform for reflection, planning, and collaboration as the Ministry aligns its programmes and activities with the priorities of the new government.
“We have enormous agricultural resources and opportunities, yet we must do more to translate that potential into tangible benefits for our people. This workshop is an opportunity to reflect on our performance, encourage one another, and identify practical strategies that will deliver meaningful impacts for farmers and rural communities,” Dr. Viulu said.
The 2026 MALD Strategic Workshop is expected to produce key recommendations and action plans that will guide the Ministry’s programmes and interventions over the next two years, supporting the Government’s vision of a productive, resilient, and sustainable agriculture sector that contributes to economic growth and improved livelihoods for all Solomon Islanders.
