In a historic event, 34 Village Community Educators (VCEs) from the villages of Pokilo, Panueli, and Sisiaka in Savo Volcanic Island graduated from the Family Farm Teams (FFT) program. Held in Pokilo, the ceremony was a first for the community, as parents were honored for their dedication to the program, which equips rural families with essential agricultural, business, and family life skills.
The FFT project, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through the University of Canberra and implemented by Live & Learn, is designed to empower smallholder farmers—especially women—by promoting a family-focused approach to farming. The 34 graduates, all of whom are couples, have now completed their training and are certified to become trainers for the FFT module. This achievement will allow them to pass on vital knowledge and skills to others in their communities.
Fr. Patson Sodo, one of the newly graduated educators, expressed the significance of this milestone for the local villages. ‘This is the first time our people are witnessing their parents graduate to receive honours for the Family Farm Teams program,’ he said. He also noted how this moment has inspired younger generations and fostered a sense of pride in the accomplishments of their parents.
The FFT project seeks to address the barriers faced by female smallholder farmers in the Solomon Islands, particularly in gaining access to agricultural training, making decisions, and creating economic opportunities. By adapting a successful model originally implemented in Papua New Guinea (PNG), the initiative encourages collaboration between men and women in managing family farms, leading to improvements in both farm productivity and household livelihoods.
A core objective of the program is to assess and scale out the FFT model across other Pacific Island nations. The project works closely with partners such as the Solomon Islands Mothers’ Union and various women’s organisations to implement peer education and family-centred learning. This approach has led to significant gains in sustainable farming practices and financial literacy, which empowers female smallholders to increase their farm productivity and household income.
The 34 graduates are now prepared to take on their new roles as trainers, where they will be responsible for teaching others in their communities. Their efforts will help expand the FFT approach throughout the Solomon Islands, enhancing agricultural and economic opportunities for families and fostering food security. By working alongside NGOs like the Kastom Gaden Association and Live & Learn, the program is expected to create lasting change, not only in Savo Island but also across the broader Central Province and beyond.
This graduation ceremony is a significant milestone, representing both a personal and communal triumph. It marks a new chapter in the journey toward building stronger, more resilient families and sustainable livelihoods in rural communities throughout the Solomon Islands. The positive impact of these newly certified trainers will be felt for years to come as they lead the way in fostering agricultural development and empowerment in their communities.
