This project will support the Government of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour & Immigration in reviewing the current state of farmer and marketing cooperatives in the country, recommending regulatory and policy measures that the Government may take provide support to farmers through these cooperatives, and carrying out a pilot activity to implement part of the report’s recommendations.
The project will provide technical assistance through its two main components:
– an assessment report of farmer and marketing cooperatives, which would include a survey of the profiles and activities of existing cooperatives, their capabilities to promote climate-resilient agricultural practice, roles of men and women in the cooperatives, as well as recommended interventions, including identification of training needs, for the Government of Solomon Islands
– a remote technical assistance activity, as mutually agreed upon by the Consultant and Government of Solomon Islands, to support MAL and MCILI in implementing the report’s recommendations
Expected results include the enhancing the knowledge of the Government of Solomon Islands on the state of cooperatives and interventions it may undertake to improve the breadth, impact and operational capabilities of farmer and marketing cooperatives, with a view to reviving and increasing their role in sustainable and inclusive rural economic development. This also complements the MAL’s Agriculture and Livestock Sector Policy 2015-2019.
Problem Being Addressed by CTIF
In a small island nation developing state that is driven by the agriculture sector like the Solomon Islands, farmer and marketing cooperatives allow for otherwise geographically isolated and fragmented farmers to receive support from and take advantage of pooled resources and collective market linkages and strengths.
This project will help the Government of the Solomon Islands get a better picture of the state of these cooperatives and identify appropriate government interventions to maximize their value as the government’s partners in supporting farmers.
Development Dimension
The increased ability of the Government of Solomon Islands to support farmer and marketing cooperatives in reviving their roles through targeted policy measures could help cooperatives once again serve as an important part of the Solomon Islands’ response to the many challenges facing its agriculture sector today.