Farmers engaging in reforestation activities in Baegu and Fataleka, Malaita province are showing lack of interest in forestry related training.
Thats according to a Malaita forestry extension officer who wished to have his identity withheld.
He said based on observation there were poor turn outs from forestry farmers when trainings are being offered for them or when theres visit.
The officer said the reason for this might be related to lack of funding support to the farmers by the forestry ministry.
“These people may have lost interest since they have been waiting for the reforestation subsidy fund forestry promise by ministry of forestry which never reached them.”
Although a number of trainings were organised farmers were unable to turn up.
“In the past years farmers are willing to attend trainings and involve in plantation, maintenance and nursery. But this is not the case anymore where the numbers has dropped.”
He said there are a total of more than 200 farmers from these two constituencies.
“And the numbers are decreasing”.
He added it is also a challenge for him during his visit to the communities because very few farmers are showing interest.
The officer suggested the government should release funds to farmers which deserve them.
BY JOY BUAOKA
