SIART foster development for pig farmers in Kakara
Local piggery farmers from Kakara in West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province are looking to transform their livelihoods and communities by working together to transition from subsistence farming into structured, commercial agribusiness.
The recently completed piggery breeding centre and storage house in Kakara village supported by the SIART Project
With support from the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project, these farmers are pooling resources to improve production and increase income for their families and community.
Working together as the Wanenira Piggery Association, this association of 16 household farmers is one of the Agribusiness Producers Organizations (ABPOs) in Malaita Province supported by the SIART Project.
This partnership allows for the construction of central breeding and fattening shelters, which individual households often cannot afford on their own.
In Kakara, they have recently completed their breeding centre and storage house and are now looking forward to starting their income generating activities under their ABPO.
Local farmer and Secretary for the Wanenira Piggery Association, Mr Philip Sibana said their main focus is the development of livelihoods in their community.
“With support from the SIART Project our community of farmers have been able to work together to complete our breeding centre and a storage house.
“Our target from the beginning has always been for the benefit of our community,” he said.
He said by April 2026, they should start using their breeding centre.
“We have already purchased four sows and one boar for breeding.
“We have also set up individual pig houses for our members. So, from the breeding centre we will share with our farmers and our members will give back a certain percentage of their sales to our association to keep us going,” Mr Sibana said.
Secretary for the Wanenira Piggery Association, Philip Sibana (right) and SIART’s Mark Johnston during a recent visit to the project site in Kakara village
In Malaita Province, sustainable community pig farming projects supported by SIART will improve livelihoods by allowing farmers to produce healthier pigs, which increases income for education and household necessities.
Enhanced pig production directly boosts family income, allowing members to afford school fees and household necessities.
These ABPOs also focus on training women, youth, and small-scale farmers, ensuring broader community involvement and economic resilience.
SIART currently has 16 ABPOs in Malaita Province involved in piggery farming representing a $6.99 million investment.
The SIART Project’s objective is to increase agricultural production and improve market access in selected value chains in Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira/Ulawa. Additionally, the project ensures a prompt and effective response in the event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency.
The SIART Project is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and supported by the World Bank.
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SIART statement