MALD STODAS Team group photo with Deputy Premier and other provincial executive members after courtesy meeting in Kirakira
Makira-Ulawa Province Fully Supports Setup of Provincial Food Council as They Seek to Enhanced the Province’s Agri-Food Systems.
The Honorable Deputy Premier of Makira-Ulawa Province Stephen Ngara (MPA) has reaffirmed the province’s strong commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development when officially opening the Provincial Agrifood System Consultation Workshop in Kirakira, Tuesday 9th June 2026.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Premier Hon. Ngara emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of Makira-Ulawa’s economy, providing livelihoods, supporting food security, and driving community wellbeing across the province.
The workshop, held under the theme “Strengthening Provincial Partnerships for Sustainable and Inclusive Agrifood Systems,” brings together government leaders, development partners, private sector representatives, farmer groups, churches, women and youth stakeholders to shape the future of the province’s agrifood systems.
In recognizing key partners, the Hon. Deputy Premier acknowledged the European Union for funding the project, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for technical assistance, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) for facilitating the initiative.
Despite its rich natural resources and strong agricultural base, Makira-Ulawa Province continues to face significant challenges, including limited market access, infrastructure gaps, post-harvest losses, and insufficient investment in food value chain development.
Deputy Premier Hon. Ngara stressed that addressing these issues requires a coordinated and inclusive approach, highlighting key priorities under the PACRA Government’s development agenda, including strengthening food and nutrition security, promoting sustainable production, supporting rural employment, and enhancing resilience to climate change.
A key focus of the workshop is the proposed establishment of a Provincial Food Council, which will serve as a platform to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and guide agriculture development based on local priorities.
The workshop also places strong emphasis on advancing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to support agricultural value chain development, improve market access, and attract investment into the sector.
Calling for active participation, the Deputy Premier urged stakeholders to contribute practical solutions and ensure that the voices of women, youth, and rural communities are fully reflected in the outcomes of the consultation.
The Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to working in partnership with national government, development partners, the private sector, and communities to build resilient, inclusive, and prosperous agrifood systems across the province.
The Deputy Premier officially declared the workshop open, expressing confidence that the consultation will deliver actionable outcomes to strengthen agriculture and food systems in the province.
The MALD/ STODAS team, under the LOA Strengthening Provincial Food Councils and Agrifood Public/Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, was led by Deputy Director (Supervising) of the MALD Planning and Management, Jules Damutalau, included Deputy Director (Supervising) Extension Department, Michael Tanisapa, Principal Livestock Officer, Eddie Wainoni, and Media Officer, Ben Rakai.
The team while in Kirakira have also engaged in consultations with institutions such as Kirakira Hospital, Kirakira Correctional Center, farmers/market vendors at the Kirakira Market, including Waimapuru NSS and private sector stakeholders. These consultations ensure inclusive participation and broad stakeholder input.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Mr. Damutalau emphasized the importance of the food council and public private partnership:
“Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with provincial authorities, farmers, NGO’s and private sector partners to set up a model that could transform Makira Ulawa Province agrifood systems. He said Makira Ulawa provincial government’s strong commitment to agriculture makes it an important step towards achieving this transformation.”
The consultations concluded successfully with the closing of the Provincial Agrifood System Consultation Workshop in Kirakira, Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Deputy Premier of Makira Ulawa Province Hon. Stephen Ngara (MPA) making his keynote address to officially open the consultation workshop
Deputy Director (Supervising) of the MALD Planning and Management and MALD/STODAS Project Team Leader Jules Damutalau
Group Discussions during Provincial Agrifood System Consultation Workshop in Kirakira, 9 – 10 June 2026.
Group presentations during Provincial Agrifood System Consultation Workshop in Kirakira, 9 – 10 June 2026
Mike Tanisapa Deputy Director Extension Service (supervising) interviewing a Kirakira Market farmer/vendor