BY MORRIS NAFU
Seaweed farmers in Fanalei and surrounding communities in South Malaita, Malaita Province are enjoying benefits after making more than $300,000 in just two years.
The establishment was initiated by the South Malaita Constituency office along with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) in 2023 with first two harvests made in 2024 and three harvests in 2025.
Port Adam Seaweed Farmers Association (PASFA) chairman John Suiga told Island Sun the initiative has brought new opportunities and jobs letting the people make money for their own benefit and family needs.
“Before this initiative came to existence, we always caught up with school fees and other financial demands depending on our relatives working in town to support but now our community members in this programme have benefited and started paying for the children school fees and other family needs.
“Unemployed youths especially young boys who have involved much in illegal activities in the communities are now getting hands on, started participating in seaweed farming activities,” Suiga told Island Sun.
PASFA is made up of 150 families spanning six communities including Fanalei, Fauele, Ro’one, Pariki, Kalona and New Valley Village.
Suiga added that the Ministry of Fisheries has seen positive feedback from recent data collected from their seaweed farms and have supported the association with farming materials like ropes to help boost farmers in their farming.
He mentioned that with the support, they expect to see an increase in the sale of their seaweed products later this year.
Suiga acknowledges Honorable Rick Houanibwela and the Office of Small Malaita Constituency and the Ministry of Fisheries for the initiative as it really boosts the livelihood of the communities who have participated in the programme.
He calls on local farmers to put more effort to and to invest more in the program as it is their source of income.
Small Malaita Constituency Development Committee member representing ward 22 Beven Aieili acknowledges the Association for promoting the program.
He expressed that with only a day’s training held in Fouele in 2023, the impact value from January to August 2025 totaling to 244,00 Dollars is a great achievement for the community.
Aielili acknowledge the local farmer for their determination and commitment and urges the farmers to continue with their farming activities as a way forward and source of income to help sustain their daily living in the community.
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