BY LORETTA B MANELE

A Leadership and Good Governance Workshop was conducted for Koqulavata Community in Gizo, Western Province from March 9 to March 10.

A statement from Henry Kaniki, National Advisor for the Global Greengrants Fund said this workshop brought together 30 participants, including subcommittee leaders of the Koqulavata Community Association, youth leaders, women and girls’ leaders, church leaders, and community elders.

The workshop supported by the Worldwide Fund for Nature Pacific Solomon Islands Program under the Resilient Communities – Nature-Based Solutions Project (UK CARA) aims to strengthen leadership capacity, promote good governance practices, and encourage inclusive decision-making within the community.

Kaniki said by bringing together leaders from different groups, the workshop provided a platform to enhance collaboration, accountability, and effective management of community development initiatives.

The workshop was carried out with the following objectives;

– To strengthen the leadership capacity of community leaders in Koqulavata

– To increase awareness and understanding of good governance principles such as transparency, accountability, participation, and fairness

– To promote inclusive leadership by encouraging the active participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in community decision-making

-To enhance collaboration among community leaders, church leaders, youth groups, and women’s groups in community development initiatives

– To equip participants with practical leadership skills to support the effective management of the Koqulavata Community Association

The key outcomes of the workshop are as follows;

– Participants gained a better understanding of leadership roles and responsibilities within the community

– Community leaders demonstrated improved knowledge of good governance principles and their importance in community development

– The training encouraged greater participation of women, youth, and girls in leadership and decision-making processes

– Participants discussed common challenges affecting community governance and identified possible solutions

– Strengthened relationships and cooperation among different community groups, including church leaders, elders, women, and youth

The statement said participants appreciated the training, acknowledging the positive impact it had on their understanding of leadership and governance.

“Pastor David Presley highlighted that the training provided additional knowledge and clarity for the leaders of Koqulavata. He noted that the workshop significantly improved their understanding of leadership and good governance principles.

“Mr. Milton Kamikera shared that the training had given him a new perspective on leadership. He explained that previously he viewed leadership in a more straightforward way, but the training helped him realize that leadership is not a straight line; rather, it is a complex concept that requires different approaches and ways of navigating challenges.

“Mrs. Rose John, a women’s leader in the community, acknowledged the role of the World-Wide Fund for Nature Pacific Solomon Islands Program in continuing to build the capacity of community leaders through such training initiatives,” said the statement.

Kelly Sialas, Chairman of the Koqulavata Community Association (KCA) also expressed his appreciation for the continued support from WWF Pacific Solomon Islands for regularly visiting the community and extending support that complements government efforts in improving the livelihoods of rural people in the Solomon Islands.

The statement said a similar Leadership and Good Governance Training was also successfully conducted in the Pusiju community on Vella la Vella Island from March 3 to March 4.

“The training brought together community leaders and representatives from different groups, providing them with knowledge and skills on leadership, accountability, and good governance practices to support effective community management and development initiatives, the statement said.

Photo credit: David Leokana and Karl

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BY BEN BILUA

THE newly constructed market building in Buala has been completed and is ready to open anytime soon.

Speaking to vendors who are now selling their products at a make-shift market, the building is said to provide improved spaces and a better selling environment for farmers and vendors from surrounding communities.

They said the new market facility features more spaces and tables, allowing vendors to properly display and sell their fresh produce.

“Farmers from nearby communities can now bring their vegetables, root crops and other local products to a more organized and comfortable marketplace.

“This new building will be our safe haven to sell our products compared to the old market,” the women said.

The women who are from the surrounding communities are busy planting root crops, aiming to reach the market when its open.

They said the market also contributes to the overall appearance of Buala, enhancing the town’s image as the provincial headquarters of Isabel Province.

The women welcome the development, saying it adds beauty to the town while supporting local economic activities.

The new Buala Market will increase the market’s capacity to 150 vendors, with a seawall, landing area for boats, and restrooms for everyone including people with a disability.

The project is part of Australia’s provincial markets redevelopment program, which to date has been delivered by a 100 per cent Solomon Islander workforce.

Markets are currently under construction or completed in Tulagi, Malu’u and Honiara, with works soon to commence in Seghe.

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BY BEN BILUA

RISING sea levels are posing a growing threat to the Diocese of Isabel compound in Buala, Isabel Province, as coastal erosion and tidal flooding continue to affect the area.

Located along the shoreline, parts of the church compound have begun experiencing the impacts of higher tides, particularly during periods of strong winds and king tides.

Secretary of Isabel Diocesan Kenneth R Havilegu said the situation has gradually worsened over the past few years.

He said residents have noticed that seawater now reaches areas that were previously dry land.

“During high tides, water moves closer to buildings within the compound, raising concerns about long-term damage to church property and surrounding facilities.

“Church leaders say the compound is an important centre for spiritual activities, administration, and community gatherings in the province.

“Any damage caused by rising sea levels could disrupt these important services,” Havilegu said.

He calls for support from authorities and development partners to help address the situation before it becomes more serious.

Havilegu said possible measures include constructing sea walls, planting coastal vegetation, and improving drainage around the compound.

He said sea level rise, driven by climate change, is increasingly affecting low-lying coastal communities across the Solomon Islands.

“For the Diocese of Isabel community, protecting the compound is now becoming a priority as they seek long-term solutions to safeguard the area for future generations,” Havilegu said.

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MALD commences UAT phase of Digital Farmer Registry

BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has officially commenced the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) phase of its innovation, Digital Farmer Registry (DFR).

MALD in a statement yesterday said kick-off online zoom session took place yesterday at the ministry’s headquarters in Honiara, marking a significant milestone in the country’s drive to modernize agricultural data management and empower farmers nationwide.

The ministry said the DFR initiative funded by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through the Catalysing Agrifood Systems through Digitalization project (TCP/SAP/3909), is a strategic effort to establish a centralized, sustainable, and interoperable digital platform.

As stated, the DFR is designed to streamline the registration, identification, and management of farmers, farms, and agricultural activities and it is a system that aims to revolutionise how agricultural data is collected, analysed, and utilized by government agencies and partners.

“The Digital Farmer Registry is more than just a database—it is a vital tool to enhance planning, policy development, and farmer support services.

“By creating a single source of accurate and comprehensive data, the platform will enable the government to deliver targeted assistance, optimize resource allocation, and foster sustainable agricultural growth across the country,” said the statement.

The ministry said the UAT involves real users testing the platform’s functionalities across web and mobile applications to ensure it meets operational requirements, is user-friendly, and is ready for full deployment.

“Key modules under review include farmer self-registration portals, enumerator data collection tools, and administrative management features—all critical components for the platform’s success.

“Farmers, enumerators, system administrators, and MALD officials will be actively participating in this process, providing valuable feedback to refine and improve the system. This collaborative approach ensures that the DFR is tailored to local needs, sustainable, and positioned for long-term impact,” said the statement.

MALD said following the successful completion of UAT, the team will analyse feedback, address any issues identified, and prepare for the official rollout.

The Ministry highlighted that this digital transformation exemplifies its commitment to leveraging innovative technology for resilient, food-secure, and inclusive agricultural development.

“This initiative highlights the strong partnership between the Solomon Islands government and international agencies to harness digital solutions for sustainable growth. The DFR will serve as a model for digital agriculture across the Pacific region, fostering innovation, resilience, and rural prosperity,” said the statement.

Photo credit: MALD

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