GEDSI Validation Workshop Strengthens Inclusive Agricultural Extension Services in Solomon Islands

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), in partnership with Save the Children through the Solomon Islands, Knowledge, Action, Sustainability for Resilient Villages (SOLKAS) Project, today successfully concluded a three-day Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Validation Workshop at the Honiara Hotel last Friday July 3 2026.

The workshop brought together senior government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, provincial agricultural extension officers, development partners and technical specialists to validate findings and recommendations from the 2025 GEDSI Analysis of Agricultural Extension Services and strengthen pathways for more inclusive and climate-resilient service delivery across Solomon Islands

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, MALD Deputy Secretary Technical (DST) Mr. Michael Ho’ota, emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods and food security in Solomon Islands but continues to face increasing challenges from climate change. He noted that strengthening agricultural extension services is both a technical priority and a strategic national response to these emerging risks. He further highlighted that the GEDSI analysis provides critical evidence for understanding how agricultural services respond to the needs of women, youth and persons with disabilities, while identifying barriers that limit equitable access and participation.

SOLKAS Project Lead, Mr. Semi Qamese, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the strong partnership between Government and development partners in advancing inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural development. He stressed that the workshop represented an important step in translating analysis into practical action, ensuring that extension services become more responsive, accessible and effective for all Solomon Islanders.

Over the three days, participants reviewed and validated the GEDSI assessment findings, refined strategic recommendations, and strengthened their knowledge through training on Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), and GEDSI integration. The workshop also provided a platform for provincial officers to contribute field-based perspectives to ensure recommendations are realistic, practical and responsive to local realities.

A key outcome of the workshop was the collective endorsement of actions aimed at strengthening agricultural extension systems to ensure greater participation and access for women, youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Participants agreed that inclusive service delivery is fundamental to achieving sustainable agricultural development, strengthening food security and building climate resilience in rural communities.

MALD reaffirmed its commitment to embedding GEDSI principles and Environmental and Social Safeguards within its extension service frameworks and policies. The Ministry also acknowledged the critical role of provincial extension officers in translating national policies into practical results for farming communities across the country.

Save the Children, through the SOLKAS Project, reiterated its commitment to supporting MALD in operationalising national policies at the community level and strengthening institutional systems that deliver inclusive, climate-smart and sustainable agricultural services.

Both organisations expressed their appreciation to all workshop participants and recognised the support of the Green Climate Fund, the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, and other development partners, whose contributions continue to support climate resilience, inclusive development and sustainable agricultural growth in Solomon Islands.

The successful conclusion of the workshop marks an important milestone in advancing a Solomon Islands-led approach to inclusive agricultural development—one that is grounded in evidence, informed by local realities and committed to ensuring that no one is left behind.

END with photos (supplied by Mr. Peter R Harunari| ESS Coordinator | SOLKAS PMU I Save the Children Solomon Islands)

MALD Press Release

Left. Isabel Province Extension Officers

Right. Makira Ulawa Province Extension Officers

MALD DST Michael Ho’ota

SOLKAS Project Lead, Mr. Semi Qamese,