CLOSE to 20 local farmers from Kolombangara and Gizo, Western Province, completed a two-day workshop aimed at bolstering the islands’ food system.
The workshop was organized by World Fish and the Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) and conducted at the Nusatupe Innovation Hub.
A World Fish Research Fellow specializing in Nutrition and Island Food Systems, Dr Jillian Tutua highlighted the workshop’s objective of integrating various initiatives related to fisheries, agriculture, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and nutrition-sensitive fisheries.
“In partnership with KGA, we are establishing demonstration gardens at the Innovation Hub in Nusatupe to provide training space for local farmers and participants residing in Gizo and nearby islands like Kolombangara,” Dr Tutua explained in an interview with the Solomon Star yesterday.
The training, primarily led by KGA, focused less on theory and more on practical aspects such as soil germination techniques, seedling transplantation and island gardening methods.
“Contrary to some beliefs that crops won’t thrive on islands, we have already demonstrated successful gardening practices suitable for these environments,” Dr Tutua emphasized.
Dr Tutua also unveiled plans for upcoming training sessions at the Innovation Hub, extending beyond fisheries to encompass community-based management, fish handling, seaweed cultivation, and coral planting.
A trainer from KGA Esther Londu emphasized the significance of the partnership with World Fish in advancing farming and nutrition in the region.
“The training covered seed germination, transplanting techniques, seed management, seed saving, and other essential areas crucial for participants and stakeholders,” Mrs Londu explained.
The two-day workshop which attracted around 20 participants, including youths and students from Vanga Vocational School, reflected a growing interest in sustainable agriculture and food security.
“In today’s costly lifestyle, promoting organic produce through local gardens not only supports self-sufficiency but also offers a viable source of income,” Mrs Londu added.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
