What we do
The Pacific Islands Rural and Agriculture Stimulus Facility (PIRAS) supports COVID-19 food system and economic recovery by prioritizing food self-reliance, improving local nutrition and developing sustainable, equitable agricultural livelihood opportunities for rural communities.
In Solomon Islands, PIRAS works across 30 communities in the Western, Choiseul, Central provinces to support sustainable food production, to improve nutrition, and to strengthen inclusive local value chains by:
✓ Involving women and youth producer groups in the multiplication and distribution of local seed supply
✓ Training farmers and vulnerable households in seed production, soil improvement, food processing, value adding and marketing
✓ Supporting vulnerable mothers through nutrition awareness, and promotion of home gardens
✓ Facilitating partnerships between vulnerable farmers and small and medium enterprises
Upcoming Priorities
The National team is currently reflecting on and internalizing the
lessons from the first year of implementation to fine-tune detailed upcoming activities. The project aims to leverage synergies with other Pacific organizations like The Pacific Community (SPC) and establish linkages with ongoing initiatives like DFAT’s Market Development Facility. Year two will likely include more technical support for farmers in the form of training and increased coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock on extension services
Partners
✓ Kastom Gaden Association
✓ Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
✓ Pacific Islands Farmers Organisation Network
✓ Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services