The Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project is making significant progress in enhancing the agricultural sector through strategic partnerships and targeted investments.
Funded by the World Bank with a budget of US$15 million, SIART aims to increase agricultural production, improve market access, and bolster the livelihoods of rural communities across Guadalcanal, Makira, and Malaita provinces.
At its core, SIART is about transforming agriculture into a more inclusive, commercially viable sector, one that supports rural resilience, strengthens producer capacity, and connects smallholders to better markets.
Strategic components of SIART
SIART’s implementation is structured around four key components that address both the systemic and practical challenges faced by the agriculture sector in the Solomon Islands.
i.) Agribusiness and infrastructure investment
This component aims to increase farm production and help farmers sell more products by forming Agri-business Producer Organizations (ABPOs). These are groups of farmers and agri-entrepreneurs who work together to access markets, financing, and support services.
So far, 41 ABPOs have signed grant agreements, under a total investment of SBD16.2 million (approximately US$2 million). These producer organisations are active across the three provinces Malaita (14), Makira (12), and Guadalcanal (15) and are part of a broader pipeline of 83 approved proposals out of 103 submitted.
However, the process has faced several hurdles. Delays in opening bank accounts, making 10% farmer contributions, and submitting Monthly Action Plans (MAPs) have slowed implementation.
Further challenges have emerged in the infrastructure space. Detailed designs revealed outdated cost estimates, land leveling needs, asbestos at construction sites, and new World Bank requirements for disaster and environmental compliance, all of which contributed to significant cost overruns.
Despite these challenges, the project is still moving forward through regular monitoring, better coordination with Provincial Project Teams (PPTs), and capacity building for ABPOs.
ii.) Institutional capacity development
This component strengthens the institutional framework that supports agribusiness. SIART’s Community-Managed Extension System is a key platform under this effort. Training manuals and materials for cocoa, coconut, pigs, and poultry (village chickens) have been completed.
Training of Trainers (ToT) on cocoa has already been delivered to MAL staff, Young Professionals (YPs), and Community Resource Persons (CRPs) in Malaita, with plans to roll out the same in Makira and Guadalcanal. Manuals are currently being developed for poultry layers, broilers, ginger, turmeric, pineapple, and cassava. There are also future plans for beekeeping, ducks, coffee, and vanilla.
The Young Professionals program is widely recognised as one of SIART’s most successful initiatives to date. With 26 YPs currently deployed and a target of 50, these graduates are significantly boosting the capacity of provincial MAL offices to support ABPO development, business plan implementation, recordkeeping, and grant monitoring. These YPs are also building a new generation of trained agricultural workers for the Ministry.
iii.) Project management and oversight
The Project Management Unit (PMU) is responsible for implementation and overall coordination. Most positions within the PMU are filled, except for a few junior agribusiness roles and a communications officer.
The PMU has produced up-to-date annual work plans, managed procurement, and conducted 2022–2023 audits, although there were some previous delays.
SIART’s disbursement rate has seen a major jump from 19% in September 2024 to 32% by May 2025. This progress is due to acceleration in ABPO implementation and infrastructure preparation. Disbursement is expected to reach 35% by June, and 60% by December 2025. This progress could lead to additional financing, but it depends on the project hitting these targets.
Meanwhile, designs for new Ministry of Agriculture offices in Malaita and Makira are finalised, with bidding to commence in May 2025 and contract awards expected in August. The design contract for the Tenaru Agricultural Research and Training Centre is about to be signed.
iv.) Contingency emergency response
This component helps the project respond to emergencies, such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks. For example, the recent avian influenza outbreak in New Zealand disrupted poultry-related work in the Solomon Islands and forced SIART to adjust some of its project indicators.
Tenaru agricultural research centre
The Tenaru site in Central Guadalcanal is a key part of SIART’s vision. The government has already spent SBD15 million to buy the land and relocate settlers, but the centre is still in the design phase due to technical and procurement delays.
Once completed, Tenaru will become a national hub for agricultural research, focusing on climate-resilient crops, training future agricultural leaders, and building long-term capacity. Both the government and SIART stakeholders see this as a top national priority.
Progress, challenges, and the way forward
While implementation has faced real challenges ranging from cost overruns to technical delays and inflation, the project’s progress over the past six months is encouraging. SIART’s work is already visible in the communities, where ABPOs are beginning to see results.
The midterm review (MTR) confirmed the project’s design and development objectives remain relevant. However, a strategic restructuring will help address the evolving needs of beneficiaries, ensure cost-effective implementation, and better align the results framework with on-the-ground realities.
The SIART project has made commendable progress in strengthening agribusiness producer organisations and revitalising the Solomon Islands’ agricultural sector. With 41 ABPOs operational, increased institutional capacity through the YP program, and key infrastructure investments on the horizon, the project is on a promising trajectory.
However, to fully realise its goals, SIART will require continued coordination among partners, improved disbursement, and timely delivery of its flagship infrastructure, especially the Tenaru centre.
With strong partnerships, strategic focus, and continued commitment, SIART is well-positioned to transform agriculture in the Solomon Islands, creating a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive rural economy.