New Dawn for Gwaunafiu Farm

By LESLEY SANGA

A team comprising officers from the South Pacific Community (SPC), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Kastom Gaden Association (KGA), and Solagro has completed a baseline assessment at Gwaunafiu Farmers School in Central Kwaraáe last week.

The assessment covered areas including agroecology, soil and land use, and carbon.

Lionel Maeliu, the founder and team leader of the school, spoke to Malaita News at the conclusion of the program, expressing his belief that this marks a new dawn for him and his community.

“I have been toiling the land for over 30 years, facing numerous challenges,” he shared.

“Today heralds a new beginning for me, as SPC has come to my rescue with their assistance to help me to share this knowledge.”

The school’s primary objective is to provide training in organic farming methods to interested farmers throughout the entire island.

Maeliu stated, “My aim is to educate farmers about organic farming techniques, ensuring their produce is entirely organic.” He conveyed his deep gratitude for the assistance provided by SPC and the team thus far.

Gwaunafiu has been chosen as a model farm in the Solomon Islands, particularly within the Malaita province. It will serve as a platform for interested farmers to come and gain insights into the realm of organic farming.