WOMEN in West Are Are Constituency, Malaita Province have been given the opportunity to enhance their livelihoods through specialised training in fish bottling and food safety held last week.
The training was conducted and facilitated by Malaita Provincial Senior Fisheries Officer Mathew Isihanua, with strong support from host communities.
Sessions were held at Pipisu and Kiu in West Are’Are, drawing women market vendors and fish sellers from surrounding areas.
Mr Isihanua said the initiative specifically targeted women who depend on selling fish to support their families.
“This training is designed to help women vendors understand value-adding processes such as fish bottling; while also ensuring they follow proper food safety practices.
By improving product quality and safety, they can increase their income at the community level,” he said.
He added that the program aims to equip participants with practical skills to preserve fish products, extend shelf life, and improve market presentation, all of which can contribute to better returns for small-scale sellers.
The training has already covered Mareho Ward in West Are’Are and is expected to continue in other parts of the constituency as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods.
Participants expressed their gratitude to the Auki Fisheries Office and Mr Isihanua for facilitating what they described as timely and important training.
“We rely heavily on fish as a source of income for our families.
“This training gives us new knowledge and skills to improve our products and earnings,” one participant said.
They said the initiative is another positive step toward enhancing household income and improving food security in their communities.
Community leaders have also acknowledged the importance of such programs in empowering rural women and strengthening local economies through sustainable fisheries practices.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
Photo caption: Participants pose for a group photo during the fish bottling and food safety training in West Are’Are last week.
