The Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project was officially launched in Gizo, Western Province on Monday making a significant step toward improving rural livelihoods and strengthening agricultural development.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) Franklyn Derek Wasi, officiated the launch.
He described the initiative as a major investment aimed at supporting rural farmers and improving food security across the country.
The US$20 million (SBD160 million) project is a partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
It aims to benefit more than 18,000 people in Western Province, Choiseul Province and Isabel Province over the next six years.
The launching ceremony was held at the MSG building where Minister Wasi explained the AIM-N project is designed to address rural poverty and improve nutrition while helping farmers connect to reliable markets.
“For many years our rural farmers have faced challenges such as limited market access and lack of consistent support.
“The AIM-N project will help bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and modern market opportunities by strengthening support services and improving coordination at the community level,’’ he added.
The minister said the project will focus on several key areas including promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture, strengthening farmer organizations and improving market connections for rural producers.
He added that the project also aims to empower women and young people in the agriculture sector, with a target of ensuring that 50 percent of beneficiaries are women and 20 percent are youth.
The launch follows discussions between officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Western Provincial Government on the implementation of the project in the province.
Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, welcomed the initiative and assured the ministry of his government’s support.
“As a government we are pleased that Western Province is among the recipient provinces of the AIM-N project,” Premier Veo said.
“This initiative will help boost agriculture development in rural areas by providing technical and financial support to assist families in producing healthy and nutritious food while generating sustainable income,” he added.
Minister Wasi also encouraged communities to take ownership of the project to ensure its success.
He said the deployment of provincial officers and the provision of project resources would help ensure effective delivery of services to farmers throughout the province.
“This is a shared journey,” he said.
“Together we can make agriculture an attractive and profitable sector that will support our nation for generations to come.”
BY ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
