MAL Collaborates with Key Stakeholders to Shape Future of Agriculture in the Solomon Islands
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the recent Agriculture Sector Development Policy consultations and extended gratitude to all participants for their constructive contributions during the two-day event.
Acting Deputy Secretary Special Duties (DSSD) of MAL, Simon Baete, noted that he was encouraged by the high level of engagement from all participating partners and stakeholders, who play crucial roles in the agriculture sector.
He further indicated that the MAL technical team will compile the findings over the coming days to finalize the policy document. Another session involving donor partners is planned before mid-September 2024, in line with the 100-day goals of the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
The consultation, organized by MAL in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders, sought input and insights toward formulating a newly designed Agriculture Sector Development Policy (ASDP). The policy aims to transform agriculture into a resilient, sustainable, and profitable sector that benefits all Solomon Islanders.
The policy also focuses on revitalizing the agriculture and livestock industries to become more appealing to younger generations, encouraging broader demographic engagement across the Solomon Islands. The ministry highlighted that interest in domestic agricultural work has declined among young people, many of whom seek opportunities abroad, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.
As part of its overall policy strategy, the GNUT government aims to position agriculture as a key pillar of the national economy by prioritizing sector development. The ASDP is expected to focus on empowering youth, women, and vulnerable groups, cultivating a new generation of productive farmers equipped to drive future growth in the sector. Key policy areas include:
- Organizational and functional restructuring of the ministry.
- Legislative and policy reforms, including updates to outdated laws and the introduction of new regulations to enhance agricultural production.
- Revitalization of agriculture extension services to improve rural productivity.
- Expansion of exports and value-added products such as cocoa, coconut, coffee, cassava, and vanilla through farm mechanization and commercial agriculture.
- Diversification into commercial rice farming, fruit trees, high-value crops, and increased livestock production for import substitution.
- Strengthening research capacity by reviving the Agriculture Research Center.
- Making agriculture more attractive and resilient to climate change.
- Protecting Solomon Islands’ fauna and flora from invasive species and improving market access.
The consultations, which concluded on Wednesday, August 21, brought together officials from various government ministries and stakeholders, including representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration (MCILI), the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), CEMA CSC, as well as livestock and crop farmers, agriculture commodity exporters, and representatives from the private sector.
With Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
