A Solomon Islands Government delegation led by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi is currently in Rome, Italy participating in the Forty-Ninth Session of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Its the first time for Solomon Islands to attend the IFAD Governing Council meeting.
The high-level meeting officially opens on Wednesday and will run over two days, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and development partners to discuss rural development and agricultural transformation.
The IFAD Governors’ Meeting is a key component of the Governing Council, providing a platform for leaders’ dialogue on global challenges and investment priorities in agriculture and rural development.
IFAD is currently supporting the Solomon Islands Government through the US$20 million Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project (2025–2031).
The project aims to strengthen food security, improve nutrition outcomes, and enhance climate resilience for more than 18,000 rural Solomon Islanders, with a particular focus on women and youth.
The AIM-N Project targets Isabel, Western, and Choiseul Provinces, supporting traditional farming systems, improving access to markets, strengthening agri-food systems, and building resilience to climate change.
The project is financed by IFAD and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), with technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and implementation led by MALD. It builds on previous initiatives aimed at addressing rural poverty and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
During the Asia and the Pacific Roundtable, Hon. Wasi will deliver Solomon Islands’ national statement and make interventions on issues of importance to the country and the wider Pacific region.
In his role as Chairman of the Pacific Ministers for Agriculture and Forestry (PMAF), he will also advocate for increased investment and stronger partnerships to support agricultural development across the Pacific.
The second day of the meeting will focus on IFAD’s future direction, including discussions on business items, the annual Governors’ Roundtable, and priorities for the Fourteenth Replenishment of IFAD’s Resources (IFAD14).
The programme will also highlight the role of partnerships in driving inclusive and sustainable rural transformation.
The overarching theme of the Governing Council is “From Farm to Market: Investing with Young Entrepreneurs.”
With 1.3 billion young people globally nearly half living in rural areas, the meeting underscores the urgent need to address barriers such as access to land, finance, skills, and employment, while recognising young people as a critical force for agricultural innovation and economic growth.
Solomon Islands’ participation at this global forum reflects the Government’s strong commitment to strengthening food security, improving rural livelihoods, empowering women and youth, and advancing sustainable agricultural development for Solomon Islanders and the Pacific region as a whole.
Making up the Solomon Islands delegation is MALD Deputy Secretary Corporate Elda Leah Wate, Director Communication and Information Sharon Nanau and Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project Manager Samantha Maeke
– MALD Press Release
