Progress in Agribusiness Growth in Makira/Ulawa | SIART Project

Makira/Ulawa Province is steadily emerging as a hub of rural agribusiness growth, with local farmer groups recording encouraging progress under the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) Project.

Across the province, Agribusiness Producer Organisations (ABPOs) are actively implementing projects that strengthen cocoa production, improve processing capacity, and increase income opportunities for smallholder farmers.

The SIART Project, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and funded by the World Bank, aims to transform agriculture by boosting productivity, improving market access, and supporting sustainable agribusiness development.

Strengthening Rural Livelihoods Through Agribusiness

SIART provides grants, equipment, training, and working capital to ABPOs—community-based farmer groups operating across key agricultural value chains. These investments are already delivering tangible results in Makira/Ulawa, particularly in cocoa-producing communities.

A recent SIART field visit to Kirakira, the provincial capital, revealed strong momentum on the ground.

Activities currently underway include the procurement of farming and processing equipment, construction of cocoa processing facilities, farm rehabilitation, rollout of ABPO training programs, and the use of revolving funds to support product purchasing and marketing.

Cocoa Production Driving Community Income

In Nukukaisi village, west Bauro, the Vaimatesa Savings and Producer Group is demonstrating how strategic support can accelerate agribusiness growth.

Although their SIART-funded processing facility is still under construction, the group is already using its revolving fund to purchase wet cocoa beans from members and nearby farmers.

Chairperson Joseph Rangisiria explained that beans are fermented, dried using a rehabilitated cocoa drier, and shipped to buyers in Honiara.

“With the money earned, we purchase more wet beans and continue providing this service to our people and our members,” he said.

The group currently has 32 member households. During peak harvest periods, they ship 25 to 30 bags of dried cocoa beans per month, spending up to SBD70,000 on bean purchases, labour, and transport.

Monthly returns range between SBD100,000 and SBD120,000, with profits reinvested into the group’s savings scheme and ongoing operations.

Building Infrastructure for Long-Term Growth

In Haurau village, Arosi, the Igau Cocoa Producers Association is also making strides toward improving community livelihoods and increasing national cocoa output.

With SIART support, the association is constructing a processing facility, greenhouse nursery, and storage infrastructure, which will benefit 40 member households.

Chairperson Hardy Russell said the support is already positioning the association to produce higher-quality cocoa and increase production volumes.

“With the infrastructure, training, and tools provided through SIART, we will be able to boost our production and improve financial returns for our members,” he said.

While awaiting completion of their facilities, the association is operating on a smaller scale using an existing drier and revolving fund.

Each production cycle currently yields seven bags of dried cocoa, with approximately SBD15,000 spent on purchasing wet beans.

Knowledge Sharing Strengthening Farmer Capacity

The Igau Cocoa Producers Association also benefits from the expertise of Mr Ambrose Havi, an experienced agriculturist and Community Resource Person (CRP).

With over 36 years of experience as an Agriculture Extension Officer and teacher, Mr Havi plays a critical role in guiding farmers and strengthening technical capacity.

“We are in full swing implementing our project to meet the timelines set for us,” Mr Havi said. “This project is one of the best approaches to supporting rural farmer associations. Strengthening rural agriculture is essential, and I appreciate the Ministry’s efforts through the SIART Project.”

A Significant Investment in Makira/Ulawa Agriculture

Overall, 19 ABPOs in Makira/Ulawa Province are supported under SIART, representing a total investment of SBD6.1 million in the province’s agriculture sector.

This includes:

·       Nine cocoa ABPOs with investments totaling SBD3.14 million

·       Seven coconut ABPOs with SBD2.30 million

·       Additional projects in honey production and small-scale piggery

Transforming Agriculture in the Solomon Islands

The SIART Project operates in Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira/Ulawa provinces, focusing on increasing agricultural production, improving market access, strengthening infrastructure, promoting innovation, and building institutional capacity within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

The project also includes a contingency mechanism to respond to natural disasters, ensuring resilience across farming communities.

As progress continues across Makira/Ulawa, the results highlight how targeted investment, farmer-led agribusiness, and strong partnerships are transforming rural livelihoods and laying the foundation for a more productive and resilient agriculture sector in the Solomon Islands.