MAL and UNDP reaffirm commitment to Agricultural revitalization and national development

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) this week hosted its first Planning Conference since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conference is a milestone event that brought together senior officials, provincial representatives, officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and United Development Program (UNDP) to chart a unified path toward agricultural revitalization in the Solomon Islands.

In his keynote address, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, emphasized the critical role of agriculture in driving food security, rural livelihoods, and economic self-reliance.

“We must create an economy that is self-sufficient—an economy where we can produce what we eat and eat what we produce,” said Minister Wasi. “We must take ownership of our agriculture sector and ensure that it becomes the foundation of our people’s livelihood,” he said.

Minister Wasi urged all officials to adopt a results-driven approach and remain focused on the national agenda, calling for improved coordination, accountability, and alignment around shared goals.

“We must put aside our personal and sectoral interests. We must embrace change, be accountable, and deliver results that impact the lives of our rural population,” he added.

Dr. Samson Viulu, Permanent Secretary for MAL, acknowledged the vital support of development partners, particularly UNDP and the SAFE Project, for their financial and logistical support in making the conference possible.

“This conference marks a new chapter for MAL.

“I sincerely thank UNDP Solomon Islands and the SAFE Project team for enabling this important platform. It is our intention, under the leadership of the current Honorable Minister, to make this an annual event where we review our annual progress and take stock of lessons learned,” Viulu said.

The Permanent Secretary praised the presence and dedication of provincial officers, technical staff, and ministry leaders from all nine provinces, reaffirming their shared commitment to transforming agriculture nationwide.

Also speaking during the conference, a UNDP Solomon Islands Country Manager Prof. Raluca Eddon, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands’ development through the SAFE Project and a broader shared vision rooted in the National Development Strategy.

“The SAFE Project is a major contribution to transformative change in the Solomon Islands. While it has experienced delays, we are counting on all stakeholders to accelerate its implementation and deliver meaningful results to the provinces and the people,” the UNDP SI Country Manager said.

UNDP also emphasized the strong partnership with MAL under the leadership of the Minister and PS, noting a shared commitment to measurable outcomes and a collaborative approach to sustainable development.

“We are united by more than just projects. We share a common purpose—to deliver results—and a vision to contribute all we can to the development of this nation.

“This week is an opportunity to reflect, collaborate, and discover the steps and solutions that can elevate our efforts to the next level,” Professor Eddon said.

The conference was also attended by representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, technical advisors, and other key partners, signalling strong inter-agency cooperation. 

With over 80 percent of the Solomon Islands population relying on subsistence agriculture, the conference underscored the urgent need for inclusive, community-centered policies and programs.

As the ministry moves forward, both Hon. Wasi and Dr. Viulu reaffirmed their commitment to making agriculture a productive, resilient, and commercially viable sector—one that not only feeds the nation but underpins its economic independence

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MAL statement