The Agriculture Investment for Market and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project aims to revive school farming and promote healthy eating among students.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Western Provincial Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Hon. Gordon Zebo says the future of Solomon Islands children is being seriously threatened by poor nutrition and the growing problem of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Speaking during the provincial launch of the Agriculture Investment for Market and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project in Gizo on Monday, Hon. Zebo said schools must play a key role in improving the health and nutrition of young people.
The Minister described the US$20 million project as an important opportunity to revive school farming and promote healthy eating among students.
“I remember back in the day when we were students, we had school gardens and farms where we grew root crops, vegetables and fruits,” he said.
“Students not only ate healthy food but also learned practical skills on how to cultivate the land,” he added.
Hon. Zebo said that practice has slowly disappeared and been replaced by diets dominated by rice, flour, noodles and other processed foods.
He said such food choices are not only unhealthy but also place additional pressure on school budgets.
The minister revealed that statistics on children’s health and nutrition in Solomon Islands remain alarming.
Around 30 percent of school children suffer from stunting due to chronic malnutrition, while overweight rates among students have reached about 20 percent.
He added that about 40 percent of students consume sugary drinks daily and nearly the same number suffer from anaemia caused by low red blood cell levels.
The minister also raised concerns about poor sanitation in schools, noting that only 19 percent of schools have basic sanitation services while just eight percent have access to hygiene facilities.
Hon. Zebo said these issues contribute to the country’s growing NCD crisis, which now accounts for about 70 percent of adult deaths, many occurring between the ages of 30 and 60.
He said the AIM-N Project will help address these challenges by strengthening agriculture value chains and improving food systems in communities and schools.
Under the project, schools in Western Province will be encouraged to re-establish school gardens and farms as part of practical agriculture learning.
The initiative will also provide technical support, training and improved farming practices to help schools and communities produce more local food.
Climate-smart farming methods will also be promoted to ensure agriculture can withstand climate-related disasters.
The project further aims to strengthen links between local farmers and schools so fresh produce can be supplied for student meals.
Hon. Zebo said improved nutrition would lead to better health, fewer sick days and improved learning outcomes for students.
“This gives us a great opportunity not only to improve food security but also to safeguard the future of our children, our province and our country,” he said.
The AIM-N Project is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and the Ministry of Education.
