BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Seaweed farming at Roone and Fouele at Port Adam in Small Malaita has taken root and continues to transform the lives of these coastal communities.
Began as a visionary initiative in 2023, it was introduced by Rick Houenipwela, Member of Parliament (MP) for Small Malaita.
For these communities, the sea is more than a natural feature; it is central to daily survival and well-being.
Baddley Alaha, who spent Christmas and New Year’s there, said the shallow reef flats, calm lagoons, and sheltered nearshore waters provide ideal conditions for seaweed farming.
He said that recognising this natural advantage, the seaweed farming initiative encouraged households to adopt seaweed cultivation as a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable source of income.
He said that most dried seaweed produced in Roone and Fouele is purchased by the Port Adam Seaweed Association, where it is consolidated before being transported to Honiara.
Mr Alaha adds that Seaweed farming has become one of the most dependable cash-earning activities in both communities.
“Harvests occur every 4–6 weeks, allowing multiple production cycles each year; Women lead planting, tying, drying, and sorting activities; Youth assist with farm maintenance and harvesting; Men support structure installation and transport,” he said.
He said that an estimated 110–150 people are directly involved in seaweed farming in Roone and Fouele at the moment.
He said that income from seaweed supports school fees, food security, and church and community obligations.
He said that Seaweed farming, initiated by Hon. Rick Houenipwela (MP) in 2023, has already begun to change lives in Roone and Fouele.
“With continued support, improved infrastructure, and stronger market connections, it can become a long-term economic foundation for coastal communities in Small Malaita,” Mr Alaha said.