Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has reaffirmed its strong partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), highlighting agriculture as the backbone for food security, economic growth, and stability in the Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the 49th session of the Governing Council of IFAD during the Asia and the Pacific Roundtable in Rome, Italy, Minister Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, underscored the Government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable rural transformation, aligned with the National Development Strategy 2016–2035.
Hon Wasi acknowledged IFAD as a trusted development partner whose long-standing support continues to strengthen rural livelihoods, enhance food security, and empower vulnerable communities, particularly women and youth.
He noted that IFAD’s investments align closely with Solomon Islands’ national priorities of poverty reduction, climate resilience, and private sector–led agricultural growth.
“A flagship initiative that embodies this commitment is the Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project, a partnership between the Government of Solomon Islands and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
With an investment of approximately US$19.82 million, AIM-N will strengthen food security, improve nutrition outcomes, and increase rural incomes for more than 18,000 people across 3 provinces over the next six years.
“AIM-N integrates nutrition-sensitive agriculture with market-oriented production, empowering rural households to produce, purchase, and consume nutritious and climate-resilient foods,” he said.
Hon Wasi added the project places gender equality and youth inclusion at its core, with women representing at least 50 percent of beneficiaries and youth at least 20 percent.
Looking ahead, Minister Wasi said Solomon Islands is committed to building on this momentum and called for continued IFAD support in scaling up youth-led agribusinesses, empowering women in agricultural leadership, and strengthening rural infrastructure and climate-resilient systems.
Solomon Islands remains confident that, through sustained partnership with IFAD and development partners, agriculture will continue to uplift rural households, strengthen national food systems, and contribute to long-term peace, prosperity, and resilience across the country.
[end]
MAL statement
