A week-long Market Linkage Workshop got underway in Auki on Monday 18 May for local farmers in Malaita Province.
Monday 18 May, Honiara – A week-long Market Linkage Workshop is currently underway for local farmers in Malaita Province hosted by the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project.
Re-appointed Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Hon Franklyn Derik Wasi officially opened the workshop on Monday 18th May in the provincial capital, Auki.
The Market Linkage Workshop will be held from 18 to 19 May in Auki and a second delivery from 21 to 22 May in Malu’u for farmers in the northern region of Malaita Province.
Representatives of SIART’s Agribusiness Producer Organizations (ABPOs) in Malaita Province are attending the workshop which is part of MAL’s efforts to strengthen agricultural production and value chains in our provinces.
SIART is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and supported by the World Bank.
“In Malaita Province, agriculture continues to play a significant role in sustaining livelihoods and supporting local economic activities,” Minister Wasi said.
“Farmers throughout the province continue to produce cocoa, coconut, root crops, fruits, vegetables, spices, and livestock products that contribute greatly to food security and household income generation.
“Too often, our farmers work hard to produce quality products but struggle to find consistent buyers or receive fair returns for their efforts. In some cases, produce is lost due to poor transportation and post-harvest handling. In other cases, farmers are unable to expand production because they lack the financial support or business knowledge needed to grow their enterprises,” he added.
SIART Project Manager, William Okekini (left) and Secretary for the Wanenira Piggery Association, Philip Sibana (right) with the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Hon Franklyn Derik Wasi during the opening of the workshop.
The Agriculture Minister highlighted that these are real challenges that require practical and coordinated solutions and the reason why this Market Linkage Workshop is both timely and important.
“This workshop provides an opportunity for all stakeholders along the agricultural value chain to come together onto one platform to discuss challenges, identify opportunities, strengthen coordination, and establish meaningful partnerships.
“Bringing together farmers, agribusiness organizations, buyers, exporters, financial institutions, government agencies, and development partners is essential if we are serious about building stronger and more inclusive agricultural markets,” he said.
The workshop also provides an opportunity for local farmers to learn more about available financial products and services, including savings opportunities, loan facilities, agribusiness financing, and financial literacy support that can help farmers and agribusinesses improve and expand their operations.
Representatives of the ABPOs in deep discussion during the workshop.
SIART Project Manager, Mr. William Okekini said the Market Linkage Workshop comes at a very important time as MAL continues to focus on strengthening rural livelihoods through agriculture and agribusiness development.
Mr. Okekini acknowledges the continued support of development partners, provincial authorities, and stakeholders who continue to support agricultural development initiatives in rural communities.
“Your partnership remains vital in helping our farmers transition from subsistence farming to more sustainable, productive, and market-oriented agribusinesses.
“I encourage farmers to continue working together, improving the quality of your production, and building strong and reliable business relationships,” he said.
SIART has signed agreements with a total of 96 ABPOs, 45 in Malaita Province, 32 in Guadalcanal Province and 19 in Makira/Ulawa Province.
ABPOs group presentation session during the workshop.
The Market Linkage Workshop has already been delivered for ABPOs in Guadalcanal Province, and following Malaita Province, the SIART Team will travel to Makira/Ulawa Province in June 2026 to deliver the same workshop for farmers there.
Agriculture remains one of the key pathways for economic growth, food security, employment, and income generation for rural households and communities in Malaita Province and Solomon Islands.
