Increasing FAO's presence in the Solomon Islands
Rosemary Kafa is joining the FAO Subregional team as Assistant FAO Representative for the Solomon Islands. In the following brief profile, we find out a little about who Rosemary is and why she joined FAO.
Name: Rosemary Kafa
Title Assistant FAO Representative, Solomon Islands
Nationality: Solomon Islander
Before joining FAO: I was employed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services from August 1996 to January 2016, holding various positions within the Nutrition and Food Security Unit, latest position before leaving to join FAO was, National Programme Coordinator (Nutrition and Food Security). This is where I gained my experiences in coordinating programmes and networking with both implementing and development partners in areas related to food and nutrition.
Areas of interest in FAO: As a nutritionist, my main interests are food security and livelihood programmes/projects that will have a positive impact on people’s health and that can provide income opportunities. I’m also interested in FAO’s goal to work towards the elimination of hunger and malnutrition. During my 20 years as a nutritionist, I have seen different forms of malnutrition in the Solomon Islands. I strongly believe that the way forward to reducing or eliminating this problem is through improved food security and livelihood at all levels starting right from the households. Another area of interest is being able to assist the Solomon Islands Government through the FAO Country Programme Facility.
Positive aspect FAO: FAO is one of the UN’s leading and respected organisations in scientific research in areas relating to Food and Agriculture, and I am so privileged to work for this great organisation in the Solomon Islands. FAO’s assistance towards the Government to improve identified areas in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and health is highly regarded. These are important sectors of the Government in terms of improved food security and its sustainability for optimal health and nutrition of all people.
Also, a recently established FAO Office gives strength and recognition of FAO activities in country, makes networking with local government, non-government and other UN partners easier. I believe new partnerships with other stakeholders will be established.
Education: Graduated with a Masters degree in Science (Human Nutrition) from Massey University, Albany Campus, Auckland, New Zealand in 2013. Bachelor in Public health, majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics from Fiji School of Medicine, Suva, Fiji, 2005.