Local Pig Farmers in Malaita Transition to Commercial Agribusiness

Pig farmers in Gwaonaoa village, West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province, are transitioning from traditional subsistence farming to a structured commercial agribusiness model through a partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and the World Bank.

The initiative is supported under the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) with funding from the World Bank.

Through the project, the Gwaonaoa community has established the Arise Rural Farm Community Company Limited to modernise and strengthen its local piggery operations. The company is one of 45 Agribusiness Producer Organisations (ABPOs) in Malaita Province currently receiving targeted support under SIART.

Infrastructure and Financial Support

The transition is backed by a $200,000 grant agreement aimed at upgrading infrastructure and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the piggery business.

Chairperson Anthony Aumae said the funding is being used to construct a centralised breeding shelter and expand individual pig housing for the organisation’s 17 member households. In addition, a revolving fund has been established to support the consistent purchase of quality breeding stock and feed.

Mr Aumae described the initiative as a significant milestone for the community.

“This is a new learning experience for us because we have never operated a formal business of this scale before,” he said. “We are grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture and the World Bank for providing the support and framework to help turn our farming activities into a profitable venture.”

The “Breeding-to-Fattening” Model

The project introduces a structured “breeding-to-fattening” model designed to improve efficiency, productivity and quality control.

At the centre of the operation is the breeding shelter, which is nearing completion and will supply healthy pig weaners to member farmers. Farmers will then raise and fatten the pigs in permanent, project-supported housing using improved husbandry practices.

Finished livestock will be sold to surrounding communities, the provincial capital of Auki, and as far as the Honiara market, in line with standards and policies established by the ABPO.

Strengthening Food Security and Rural Economies

The SIART Project aims to increase the production capacity of smallholder farmers in high-value crops and small livestock across targeted areas. In addition to infrastructure investment, the project provides training in animal health, pig husbandry and financial literacy to strengthen management capacity and business sustainability.

For the 17 households in Gwaonaoa, the initiative represents a clear pathway toward financial independence, improved food security and a more professional agricultural sector.

As the Arise Rural Farm Community Company Limited continues to grow, it will provide ongoing support and training to ensure members maximise the value of their livestock and contribute meaningfully to the local and national economy.

Media Release | SIART