A Training of trainers (TOT) workshop on improving market linkages through Contract Farming Operations was held on October 22 2019 in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Sixteen participants from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock – including extension officers from Guadalcanal, Malaita and Temotu provinces; field officers of Kostom Garden Association and other stakeholders actively participated.

This TOT training workshop was facilitated by the FAO agribusiness and food system specialist Mr. Shukrullah Sherzad.

"The idea behind this TOT workshop was to train field officials on improved market linkages in order to promote market linkages between farmers and potential buyers in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Temotu provinces of the Solomon Islands." Mr. Sherzad said.

This training was funded under the FAO ongoing project - Strengthening the capacity of farmers and food vendors to supply safe nutritious food in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Temotu provinces of Solomon Islands. 

Following the value chains approach, the mentioned project assists producers, processors, market vendors on production, processing and marketing. Increasing the adoption of improved agricultural production methods is one method of enhancing rural livelihoods. By building the capacity of farmer organizations to facilitate the adoption of improved production methods, this project aims to increase the efficiency of root and cash crops production, improve the price competitiveness of these foods relative to food imports, and contribute to their increased availability.

Furthermore, this project is providing assistance to food processors such as school canteens and food vendors on the adoption of improved methods of processing local food items into value added products. Increasing the consumption of local food, particularly root crops high in micronutrients, will contribute to improving the food and nutritional security of rural communities in the Solomon Islands.

"By improving the market linkages between producers/ farmer organizations and potential buyers such as governmental institutions, private sectors companies, school canteens, this project strengthen food supply chains coordination." Mr. Sherzad said.