A two-day training workshop which focused on organic farming and nutrition was successfully held from Wednesday, May 14th to Thursday, May 15th, 2025, at the WorldFish Nusatupe Innovation Hub in Gizo, Western Province.
The event, organized by WorldFish in partnership with the Kastom Gaden Association (KGA), was part of the Island Food Systems programme, which aims to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agriculture across the Solomon Islands.
A total of 25 participants attended the workshop, all of whom are members of the Western Province Network for Sustainable Environment (WPNFSE).
These included local community members, representatives from affiliated organizations within the network, staff from the Western Provincial Government based in Gizo town, and four intern students currently based at the WorldFish Nusatupe Innovation Hub. Notably, half of the participants were women, reflecting growing female involvement in agriculture and community-led sustainability initiatives.
This diverse group came together to learn practical skills in organic farming that will support sustainable food systems and improve nutrition within their communities.
During the workshop, participants visited the demonstration garden at the WorldFish Nusatupe Innovation Hub, where integrated agricultural activities were showcased. This hands-on experience gave attendees the opportunity to directly engage with organic farming techniques and understand how these practices can be applied in their own local contexts.
One participant, Ms. Caroline Beto, a resident of Epaga Island near Nusatupe, expressed her surprise: “I am genuinely surprised to see how well the backyard garden is thriving. I had assumed that growing vegetables on an island like Nusatupe would be difficult.”
Her comment highlighted the potential of organic methods to succeed in challenging island environments, helping to dispel common misconceptions about local food production.
A critical health message was shared by Ms. Merilyn Vana, a health worker, who stressed the urgent need to address diet-related health risks in the community: “It is vital to prioritize planting local vegetables to combat the alarming rise in diabetes deaths caused by the increasing consumption of processed foods.”
This urgent call highlights the health crisis facing many communities, emphasizing that promoting local, nutritious foods is not only essential for food security but a necessary strategy to reduce preventable illnesses and save lives.
This training was the third in a series, building on the momentum of earlier workshops. It provided valuable insights into sustainable agriculture and nutrition, empowering participants to be agents of change in their communities.
Another similar workshop is planned for around September–October 2025, with a special focus on youths in and around Gizo and nearby areas.
The upcoming session will aim to engage and inspire the next generation to take an active role in organic farming, food security, and community resilience.
WorldFish and Kastom Gaden Association extend their gratitude to all participants for their enthusiastic engagement and commitment to building more resilient local food systems.
The knowledge shared during this workshop is expected to have a lasting and positive impact across communities in the Western Province.
