A project to promote sustainable agriculture for 500 households in Honiara was introduced at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) on Wednesday.

The project set to introduce in the coming months, will establish community gardening networks while providing training and resources to participating households.  

Alex Makini, Project Manager for the Family Farming, Lifestyle, and Health (FALAH) initiative, unveiled the ambitious plans of the project during his presentation at SINU’s Department of Fisheries at the SINU Ranadi Campus.

Addressing Urban Health Challenges, the 18-month program targets three critical objectives: providing hands-on training in sustainable farming methods, boosting consumption of local produce by 30% and reducing dependence on processed foods by 20%  

Makini sounded the alarm on urbanization’s health impacts, noting that processed food dependence has fuelled alarming rises in diabetes, hypertension, and obesity across urban populations in Honiara.  

“Urban families face real challenges accessing nutritious food,” said Makini. 

“This project will empower households to grow their own fresh produce, reducing reliance on expensive imports and unhealthy processed foods.”  

The initiative will promote space-efficient vertical farming techniques – an approach already gaining popularity among residents with limited yard space.  

“Not every home has traditional garden space,” Makini explained. 

“Vertical farming, let families grow upwards, not outwards. Many are already seeing success with these methods.”  

Beyond immediate health benefits, organizers hope to create a model for other Pacific urban centres grappling with similar food security challenges. Project findings will be shared through: detailed progress reports, academic publications and community consultation sessions.  

With implementation set to begin in coming months, the initiative represents a significant step toward sustainable urban living in Solomon Islands.  

By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE

Solomon Star, Honiara