Livestock Outreach Program Boosts Farmer Capacity on Ugi Island

A week-long livestock awareness and veterinary outreach program has successfully strengthened farming knowledge and animal health practices across six communities on Ugi Island.

The initiative, funded by the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), was conducted from April 23 to 29, 2026, with participation from 173 community members, including women and youth.

The (SIART) Project is a World Bank-funded initiative implemented by the MALD to strengthen the country’s agriculture sector. The project aims to increase agricultural production, improve market access, and enhance rural livelihoods by supporting farmers with training, infrastructure, and resources across 3 key provinces of Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira-Ulawa. Through activities such as livestock outreach, agribusiness support, and extension services, SIART plays a critical role in improving food security and building the capacity of rural communities.

Led by senior officers from the Livestock and Extension Departments, the program covered Su’Ena, Hakanipua, Makia, Mwanipua, Tawarodo, and Sungesau communities.

The outreach combined classroom-style awareness sessions with practical demonstrations, focusing on livestock disease prevention, nutrition, husbandry practices, and biosecurity measures.

Farmers were also trained in basic procedures such as pig castration and proper animal handling techniques.

A community representative from Makia expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating, “This program has helped us better understand how to care for our animals. We have learned practical skills that will improve the health of our livestock and support our families’ livelihoods.”

Veterinary services formed a key component of the program, with livestock treated for common conditions, including parasitic infections such as mange and worm infestations. These issues were found to be largely preventable through improved hygiene and feeding practices.

A MALD livestock officer highlighted the importance of the outreach, saying, “Our goal is to empower farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent disease and improve productivity. Programs like this are essential in strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring sustainable livestock development.”

The touring team noted that limited knowledge of animal husbandry remains a major challenge among rural farmers, but initiatives such as this program play a vital role in bridging that gap and building long-term capacity.

Despite logistical constraints, including transport and equipment limitations, the program successfully delivered training, treatment, and advisory services to participating communities.

The initiative is expected to contribute to improved livestock productivity, enhanced food security, and stronger rural livelihoods across Makira Province.

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Livestock Officer Lucy restrain a pig, for treatment administration by vet Rod starr.

Livestock Officer Sarah Kuri conducting interview with farmer

Livestock Officer Barney Jr restrains pig, while vet Rod Starr mentors’ extension officer Gabriel Ngaritora on performing castration procedure

With farmers assisting in restrain the pig, Officer Sarah performed castration under the mentorship of vet Rod Starr.