TWO cocoa farmers’ associations in North Malaita have received grant awards from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower and support local cocoa farmers in the region.
The grant award signing took place last week in Auki in the presence of the Malaita Province Deputy Premier Randol Sifoni and members of the Malaita Provincial Government Executive.
The recipients of the grants are the Alisuri Farmers Association and the Hafa Development Foundation.
The financial support will help boost cocoa production and create sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities.
The Malaita Provincial Minister for Planning and Development Projects, George Ganiau, who represented the Hafa Development Foundation, expressed gratitude to UNDP for recognising the association’s vision and entrusting it with the Low-Value Grant to support cocoa development in Ward 9 in North Malaita.
“This grant is not just financial support. It’s a vote of confidence in our mission to empower local farmers, enhance cocoa production and create sustainable economic opportunities for our rural communities,” MPA Ganiau said.
“We are truly honoured to be part of this initiative and are committed to delivering meaningful results that align with UNDP’s development objectives, while also supporting Malaita’s economic growth and the transformative government policy.
“Before the signing ceremony, UNDP launched its SAFE project and held the groundbreaking for the Area Base programme office in Auki,” MPA Ganiau added.
MPA Ganiau highlighted that the establishment of the UNDP office in Auki would further strengthen the province’s position as a hub for economic and social transformative development.
“It is a testament to the growing partnership between the people of Malaita and our development partners, reaffirming that meaningful change happens when we work together,” he said.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
MPA George Ganiau signing the project agreement with UNDP’s Munkhtuya (Tuya) Altangerel (far right), assisted by UNDP Program Specialist for Inclusive Governance and Economic Growth, Solomon Kalu (centre), in Auki last week
