Eric George, Provincial Secretary of Malaita Province (Sitting 5th from the right) with the agrifood consultation workshop facilitators and participants.
Malaita Province Strengthens Partnerships to Transform Agrifood Systems
The Malaita Provincial Government today reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening agrifood systems through inclusive and coordinated partnerships at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development MALD/STODAS Project Provincial Agrifood Consultation Workshop held at the SSEC Sikitae Hall in Auki.
Opening the workshop, the Provincial Secretary for Malaita Province, Eric George, highlighted the critical role of agriculture in driving food security, livelihoods, and inclusive economic development for the province. The consultation was held under the theme “Strengthening Provincial Partnerships for Sustainable and Inclusive Agrifood Systems.”
Mr George emphasised that transforming agrifood systems requires strong provincial leadership, effective coordination, and active collaboration between government, the private sector, farmers, civil society, women, and young people.
“This consultation is about creating practical, locally grounded solutions that respond to the real priorities of our farmers, private sector actors, women, and youth,” Mr George said.
A key focus of the workshop is the operationalisation of Provincial Food Councils, which will serve as structured platforms for coordination, dialogue, and decision‑making across the agrifood sector. These councils are expected to strengthen governance, improve inter‑sectoral collaboration, and ensure agrifood policies and actions are responsive to provincial needs.
The workshop is also identifying opportunities to initiate Agrifood Public–Private Partnerships, aimed at strengthening market linkages, encouraging investment, supporting value chain development, and promoting sustainable economic opportunities across Malaita Province.
Mr George welcomed the strong participation of women and youth and noted that gender and youth inclusion are being mainstreamed throughout the consultation process as a foundation for long‑term innovation and productivity in the agrifood sector.
Expected outcomes of the consultation include validated Provincial Food Council structures, clearly defined stakeholder roles, identified agrifood priorities, and a preliminary pipeline of Agrifood Public–Private Partnership opportunities. These outcomes will contribute to improved coordination, stronger market engagement, and more resilient agrifood systems in the province.
Mr George reaffirmed the Malaita Provincial Government’s full support for the initiative and called on all stakeholders to work together to translate dialogue into action.
“With strong provincial institutions and active partnerships, we can improve livelihoods and build a resilient food system for Malaita Province,” he said.
The consultation is supported under the STODAS Project in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. The project is funded by European Union and implemented by UN FAO.
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MAL PRESS with photos
Eric George, Provincial Secretary of Malaita Province delivering his keynote address at the agrifood consultation workshop in Auki
Group discussions
Group Presentation
Group Presentation