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SIART Strengthens Cocoa Farming Skills in Guadalcanal through Training of Trainers Program

By Eliza Kukutu

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SIART MALANGO

The Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) Project has successfully completed its third Capacity Building Training of Trainers (TOT) for Cocoa, held in Mataruka, Malango Ward, Central Guadalcanal, from 15th to 24th July 2025. The training brought together 34 participants from across Guadalcanal Province, including Young Professionals (YPs), Community Resource Persons (CRPs), and officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).

Following similar trainings in Malaita and Makira-Ulawa Provinces, the Guadalcanal program aimed to equip local trainers with advanced skills in cocoa agronomy, farm management, and post-harvest processing. Over two intensive weeks, participants engaged in both theoretical sessions and hands-on field demonstrations, covering topics such as:

  • Cross-cutting issues
  • Cocoa cultivation and management
  • Pest and disease management (IPDM)
  • Pruning and grafting techniques for rehabilitation
  • Harvesting, fermentation, and drying methods
  • Record keeping, marketing, and financial management
  • Environmental and social safeguards

Practical demonstrations were held on local ABPO farms, allowing participants to apply new knowledge directly in the field. Visits to cocoa fermenting and drying facilities showcased both solar and hot-air drying methods, offering farmers insight into quality-improving post-harvest technologies.

Participant expressed high satisfaction, with cocoa pruning, grafting, fermentation, and drying identified as the most valuable sessions. They expressed strong confidence in applying their new skills and called for follow-up support, video-based learning resources, and more practical sessions. They are also happy with training on market requirements, record keeping, pest and disease management, and cross cutting issues.

The enthusiasm and dedication shown by these participants (trainers) will have a ripple effect in improving cocoa production across Guadalcanal,” said John Tatalo, SIART Capacity Building Officer.

“By empowering local resource persons and young professionals, we are building capacity for cocoa chain actors for a stronger, more resilient cocoa value chain.”

Mr. Tatalo highlighted, the training also underscored the importance of ongoing support—both technical and financial—for Agribusiness Producer Organisations (ABPOs) to effectively implement improved practices. “SIART will work with Guadalcanal MAL staff to monitor the adoption of training outcomes and assess the long-term impact on cocoa production,” he said.

This training represents another step forward in SIART’s mission to transform Solomon Islands agriculture through capacity building, market linkages, and sustainable practices—strengthening the cocoa sector for economic growth and community resilience.

[End]

– MAL/SIART PRESS

TopicsAgriculture
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