Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project Officially launched in Choiseul
Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has reinforced the Government’s commitment to rural development and food security with the official launch of the Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project on Wednesday in Choiseul Province.
The project was officially launched by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, together with the Premier of Choiseul Province, Hon. Harrison Pitakaka, in the presence of provincial ministers, government officials, community leaders, and farmers.
The initiative, implemented by MALD in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aims to strengthen agricultural production, expand market access, improve nutrition outcomes, and enhance climate resilience for smallholder farmers particularly women and youth.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Wasi said the launch demonstrates the national government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening rural economies and empowering farmers across the country.
“It is a great honour for me to join you here today in Choiseul Province to officially launch the AIM-N Project. Choiseul is a province rich in culture, resilience, and agricultural potential. Your communities are strong, your land is fertile, and your people are hardworking and deeply connected to their environment.”
Minister Wasi also acknowledged that rural provinces continue to face structural barriers that limit economic opportunities.
“We recognize the structural challenges that provinces like Choiseul face, remoteness, high transport costs, limited infrastructure, and vulnerability to climate change. These constraints have historically limited farmers’ ability to reach markets and expand production.”
He said the AIM-N Project represents a strategic policy response by the government to address these challenges.
“The AIM-N Project is designed to change that narrative. Through this initiative, MALD is working closely with IFAD and provincial authorities to ensure that rural farmers including those in more remote communities are not left behind.”
Hon. Wasi added that development initiatives must be grounded in local realities and community leadership.
“Development must respect context. We must build on Choiseul’s social cohesion, strong customary systems, and community leadership structures. Sustainable development cannot be imposed it must grow from within communities.”
Minister Wasi also encouraged farmers, women, and youth to take advantage of the opportunities created through the project.
“To our farmers: you are the backbone of our rural economy. Government stands with you.
To our women: your contribution to food production and family nutrition is invaluable. AIM-N recognizes your leadership and will continue to support your economic empowerment.
To our youth: agriculture is not the past—it is your future. With innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, you can transform the sector,” he said.
Choiseul Province Premier Hon Harrison Pitakaka welcomed the launch and thanked MALD for choosing Choiseul Province as one of the recipients of the project.
“This project will directly enhance growth in the agriculture sector, improve food security and resilience, increase market accessibility, and improve nutrition. Agriculture is the backbone of rural livelihoods in Choiseul Province, as it is throughout rural Solomon Islands. Most households depend on farming, fishing, and small-scale production to sustain their livelihoods.”
He emphasized that strengthening agriculture is essential for economic stability and community wellbeing.
Minister for Agriculture for Choiseul Province, Hon. Mofat Kovo, said his division will work closely with the project team and stakeholders to improve farm-to-market systems.
“Our key priorities will focus on partnerships with the AIM-N Project team and stakeholders to improve farm-to-market roads and transport, establish organized local markets and storage facilities, provide market information systems on prices and demand, and strengthen links between farmers and buyers such as schools, hospitals, and hotels.”
Minister for Finance, Treasury, Commerce and Investment, Lincolin Kalo, highlighted agriculture’s importance to economic development.
“Agriculture is a key driver of functional economic development. When we invest in agriculture and participate in its undertakings, we invest in our people, our economy, and the future of this province. Agriculture should be seen as a modern and profitable career not the last option. Projects will not be here with us forever, but this is certainly a great opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Health Services, Water Supply and Sanitation, Hon. Thomas Rosu, emphasized the strong link between agriculture, nutrition, and public health.
“A healthy farm leads to healthy families. Reducing malnutrition and non-communicable diseases begins with local food production and promoting the consumption of traditional, locally grown foods instead of imported processed foods.”
The AIM-N Project is expected to strengthen agriculture, improve food security, and create new economic opportunities for rural communities throughout Choiseul Province.
AIMN Project is being implemented in the three provinces of Choiseul, Isabel and Western provinces.
Malaita, Makira and Guadalcanal provinces are currently recipients of the World Bank funded Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project.
Temotu, Renbel and Makira provinces are earmarked for funding support under the newly signed Food Systems Integrated Project (FSIP) and LDCF projects, both under GEF8 funding.
– MALD Press Release
