As global demand for kava continues to surge, rural farmers in Malaita Province are turning their focus to the high-value crop, transforming small village gardens into promising commercial ventures.
Kava, a traditional Pacific plant long used in ceremonies and community gatherings, has recently gained significant international attention. Known scientifically as Piper methysticum, the plant is widely consumed as a calming herbal drink believed to relieve stress, reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Traditionally prepared by mixing ground kava root with water, the beverage has deep cultural roots across Melanesia and Polynesia.
Today, kava’s reputation extends far beyond the Pacific. Growing demand from non-traditional markets such as the United States has pushed international prices upward, creating new income opportunities for rural farmers in the Solomon Islands.
One of those farmers is Ronald Agwa of West Kwaio.
Mr Agwa has planted more than 500 kava plants along the banks of the Kwaleunga River, not far from his home.
What began as a small initiative has now grown into a serious agricultural investment.
“The current buying price of kava in the country has really encouraged me to concentrate more on farming kava,” Agwa said during an interview at his farm site.
The rising domestic trading price has made kava one of the most attractive cash crops in rural communities. In fact, some farmers are now reducing their coconut and cocoa plantations to make room for kava, attracted by the faster and more lucrative returns.
Agwa explained that his decision to plant kava close to his home was strategic.
“I chose to plant most of my kava beside my house because pigs can spoil the plants. It also allows me to visit and check them regularly,” he said.
His commitment to daily care is evident. Agwa visits his plantation four times each day — twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon — ensuring the young plants are protected and properly maintained.
“I must look after them carefully because they are my investment,” he added.
Agwa began planting kava in October 2020 after being inspired by his first-cousin, a lecturer at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), who encouraged him in 2018 to consider kava as a long-term income source.
That advice has proven valuable.
Earlier this year, Agwa harvested one block of kava plants that were three years old. The harvest was sold to Varivao Company, a local buyer exporting kava overseas. From that single harvest, Agwa received $600 in cash — a substantial return for a rural farmer.
“It was encouraging to see the result of my hard work,” he said.
Currently, around 500 kava plants remain in the ground, and Agwa is clearing additional land to expand his plantation even further.
Across Malaita and other provinces, similar stories are emerging. Buyers have shown increasing interest in purchasing kava locally for export, strengthening its position in the international herbal market. The dramatic rise in demand has elevated kava from a traditional village crop to a major commercial commodity.
However, Agwa believes the opportunity should not only benefit individual farmers but entire communities.
“I have distributed some of my kava stock to other farmers who came to ask me,” he said. “I want to promote kava farming and help increase production around my area.”
He encouraged fellow rural farmers to consider planting more kava, describing it as a reliable source of income that can support families with school fees, household needs and community obligations.
“Kava is very important to support rural farmers in terms of money,” he emphasised.
Despite the promising outlook, Agwa also called on responsible authorities to provide more assistance to rural growers. Support in areas such as agricultural training, disease control, quality standards and market access would help ensure farmers can sustain production and meet export requirements.
By Lesley Foinagwa
MASI Stringer, Malaita province
Photo credit: Lesley Foinagwa
