Lesley Sanga is a farmer in Central Kwara’ae, Malaita Province. He is a former reporter of Solomon Star, but now doing what he loves most which is farming.
He is now the advisor oat the Gwaunafiu Organic Farm School in Central Kwara’ae.
In an interview with this newspaper, Sanga shared his insights of being a farmer and his roles in helping other local farmers.
His role as Farm Advisor is to teach people (local farmers) about the benefits of organic farming. His role involves supporting and guiding organic farming practices at the center, as well as helping local farmers adopt sustainable, organic methods that benefit their health and the environment.
Sanga said his motivation to focus on organic farming comes from a desire to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in our communities.
“By promoting organic farming, I believe we can encourage healthier eating habits, which ultimately supports healthier lifestyles.
“My goal is to inspire others to see organic farming as a powerful way to address these health challenges,” Sanga said.
Commenting on this year’s World Food Day theme which is “Right to Food for a Better Life and Better Future”, Sanga said World Food Day is essential for raising awareness about agriculture’s role in a healthier future.
“However, one downside is that the event is very centralized, mainly celebrated in Honiara.
“I believe it would be more impactful if the celebration could reach the provincial levels, where people can directly benefit from and participate in these discussions about food and agriculture,” Sanga said.
Sanga is currently in Nadi, Fiji attending an annual planning meeting program where he presents the experiences and plans of Gwaunafiu Organic Farm School.
He said attending the program is an opportunity to discuss our goals for the future and how this network can collaborate closely with the Gwaunafiu center, where the focus is on strengthening organic farming practices in Central Kwara’ae.
He added that the program is an incredible opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and bring valuable insights back to our communities.
The program brings together members of the Pacific Organic Farming Network from Fiji, Tonga and Solomon Islands to review the challenges and achievements we’ve faced over the past year.
Sanga calls on and encourages young people saying “Farming is one of the best pursuits, especially for young people, because it provides a direct path to healthy, nutritious food.”
“Growing our own food can improve our health, build resilience, and create sustainable communities.
Healthy food means healthy life and farming can help you take care of your family and your community and I encourage you to embrace farming as a way to contribute to your own well-being as well as your community’s,” said Sanga.
Looking to the future, Sanga dreams of making Gwaunafiu Organic Farm School a place where young people can come and learn organic farming.
“My dream is to see this center fully up and running, providing a hand-on learning environment where young people can practice organic farming methods.
“I believe that by teaching young people about farming, they can have a better life by supporting themselves and contribute to healthier and more sustainable Solomon Islands,” Sanga said.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
