Putting Rural Farmers In The Driving Seat
Press Release – Solomon Islands MRD
The training was initiated and funded by the North Malaita Constituency (NMC) Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL). Facilitated by MAL technical officers, the training involved both theoretical and practical field …
A training aimed at empowering cocoa farmers in the North Malaita Constituency with practical skills and knowledge to enhance their farming practices for increased production was successfully held at Manakwai in North Malaita from March 10th to 13th, 2025.
The training was initiated and funded by the North Malaita Constituency (NMC) Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).
Facilitated by MAL technical officers, the training involved both theoretical and practical field sessions.
'Following our delivery of agriculture and fisheries equipment and tools to the constituency in January 2025, we have developed follow-up activities and this training is a part of it,' Francis Baeburi, the Constituency Accountant Officer (CAO), who spoke on behalf of the Constituency office said.
The program activities focused on the appropriate use of farming tools, cocoa plant management practices such as pruning and grafting techniques including soil testing.
'Farmers were excited and expressed satisfaction at having learned firsthand information and knowledge from specialized MAL officers and are highly encouraged,' Mr. Baeburi added.
'As part of the constituency's annual development plan and commitment, our primary aim is to encourage our people to actively participate in the rural productive sector and improve productivity particularly in cocoa as the basis for improved rural economy. This we believe will lead toward economic self-reliance for our households.'
Mr. Baeburi, on behalf of the NMC office, expressed profound gratitude to MAL for accepting their request to conduct the training, ensuring that farmers acquired important knowledge and skills in agricultural practices to enhance their farming production.
Mr. Baeburi also extended his appreciation to all farmers for their patience, time, and participation, which contributed to the success of the training.
He encouraged participants to utilize the skills and knowledge they acquired and to share the information with others who were unable to join the training.
'Our next follow-up activity will focus on fisheries and will be scheduled soon after consultation with the responsible ministry.
'These activities are a continuation and ongoing implementation of our 2024 work plan. We look forward to improving on what we have started once the CDF budget for this year is available,' Mr. Baeburi said. The current farmers program was funded by NMC Office under its CDF budget for 2024.
The MRD, while commending the collaboration between MAL and the Constituency Office for the successful training, said that the partnership to deliver Constituency Development Programs (CDP) is a way forward for the country.
'This kind of inter-governmental agency partnership in delivering rural development initiatives such as this is encouraging and important. It is the ministry's (MRD) plan now, going forward, to collaborate with technical ministries in terms of resources and information sharing to deliver government services for our people in the rural communities across the 50 constituencies.'
MRD remains committed to continuing to support constituency offices with resources to effectively implement their development programs aimed at improving social and economic livelihoods in rural areas.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
25-04-2025
- Scoop
North Guadalcanal Constituency Champions CDF Accountability
Press Release – Solomon Islands Ministry of Rural Development This marks a significant step in promoting transparency and accountability in the delivery of its CDF under the national governments Constituency Development Programme (CDP). The era of desired change has arrived for the North Guadalcanal Constituency (NGC) as it takes the lead in Constituency Development Funds (CDF) audit compliance. This marks a significant step in promoting transparency and accountability in the delivery of its CDF under the national government's Constituency Development Programme (CDP). Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) conducted an internal procurement audit and compliance spot check on the constituency's 2024 CDF budget expenditures and was satisfied to note the high-level of compliance established by the Constituency office in relation to the government's procurement and financial management guidelines particularly the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) 2013 and the CDF Act 2023. The spot-audit was conducted as part of the initial legislative and administrative reform program and work plan to be undertaken by the MRD in 2025 as provided for under the CDF Act 2023 and other public financial management requirements. The exercise was undertaken with the invitation made by and fully supported by the NGC through the proactive support of its, MP Honourable Dr. Paul Bosawai. Compliance spot checks are important for ensuring organizations' ongoing adherence to guidelines, internal financial management procedures, and best practices to avoid and minimise fiduciary risks and legal consequences in the administration and implementation of the CDP and CDF as the source funding. They also help detect and address weaknesses in internal controls which are important mechanisms whenever public funds are being utilised on behalf of the people. Financial Controller Paul Gregory Alalo, who led the MRD team for the compliance check, recognized Hon. Minister Bosawai and his constituency team for the job well done. 'I am satisfied. Your compliance with the government's procurement guidelines, procedures, and policies is outstanding. You have set the precedence, and this is the standard that we encourage other constituencies to emulate,' Mr. Alalo emphasized. Mr. Alalo then encouraged the constituency team to continue the good work and to keep supporting their MP for the constituency's prosperity, and, most importantly, to always adhere to the government's procurement guidelines and principles. MRD Director of Rural Development Division (RDD) Milfred Delemani shared similar sentiments. While acknowledging Hon. Dr. Bosawai for his bold step, Mr. Delemani highlighted that NGC is the first-ever constituency to support the MRD reform efforts and particularly in this spot audit on its CDF expenditures. 'This really paves the way forward for good governance, transparency, and accountability, in alignment with the CDF Act are setting the pace for all constituencies in financial and procurement audit,' Mr Delemani said. 'I am heartened to see such proactive, passionate, and energetic leaders like you taking the courage to initiate and set out new directions and setting the standards for the betterment of your people and the wider Solomon Islands,' Mr. Delemani underscored. MRD Director of Governance, Noel Matea, stressed that audit compliance has been a challenge for the ministry over the years, but with the enforcement of the CDF Act 2023, it become legally necessary for every constituency to comply with the legislative guidelines and policies to avoid legal implications. 'You have set a standard, and this is the highest standard we encourage every constituency to fulfill,' Mr. Matea said. Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Bosawai acknowledged the MRD team for accepting his invitation to initiate the audit spot-check with his Constituency. 'It is good to start something, somewhere as an example for other constituencies because we are using Public Funds. 'I have a big dream, and that is to build and create a better Solomon Islands that one day everyone can enjoy its prosperity. My intention in involving myself in politics is not to win elections but to bring the change that my people have long hoped for. To realize that change, we must unite in our determination and efforts. The change must begin with us. Navigating change is tough, and as leaders, we cannot expect change to happen miraculously unless we are willing to reflect, learn, and grow,' Hon. Dr. Bosawai emphasized. Hon. Dr. Bosawai also asserted that as part of the transformative leadership and change he is advocating for his constituency; he has also directed his constituency office and informed his constituency that no member of his immediate family will receive assistance or project under the NGC CDF allocation. 'I have restricted my own Bosawai family from the NGC CDF support, not because I wanted to attract attention and admiration from people, but because I know God has already blessed my family with just enough, and now it is time to prioritize the needs and well-being of others. More importantly by doing this, I am limiting myself from any form of conflict of interest which may jeopardise my own integrity as a leader for my own constituents and the country,' he explained. Hon. Dr. Bosawai also took the opportunity to discuss his greater plans for his constituency development aspirations, aiming to deliver tangible developments that will grow the rural economy and support rural communities' livelihoods for a better life. Hon. Dr. Bosawai is a first-time MP for NGC. His first major project delivered last year was the improvement of road infrastructures within his constituency. This year, NGC focuses on income-generating projects to support communities and constituents who are keen to participate in economic initiatives and improving rural livelihoods. Under the CDF Act 2023, Section 30, the CDF is subject to audit.
Scoop
25-04-2025
- Scoop
North Guadalcanal Constituency Champions CDF Accountability
The era of desired change has arrived for the North Guadalcanal Constituency (NGC) as it takes the lead in Constituency Development Funds (CDF) audit compliance. This marks a significant step in promoting transparency and accountability in the delivery of its CDF under the national government's Constituency Development Programme (CDP). Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) conducted an internal procurement audit and compliance spot check on the constituency's 2024 CDF budget expenditures and was satisfied to note the high-level of compliance established by the Constituency office in relation to the government's procurement and financial management guidelines particularly the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) 2013 and the CDF Act 2023. The spot-audit was conducted as part of the initial legislative and administrative reform program and work plan to be undertaken by the MRD in 2025 as provided for under the CDF Act 2023 and other public financial management requirements. The exercise was undertaken with the invitation made by and fully supported by the NGC through the proactive support of its, MP Honourable Dr. Paul Bosawai. Compliance spot checks are important for ensuring organizations' ongoing adherence to guidelines, internal financial management procedures, and best practices to avoid and minimise fiduciary risks and legal consequences in the administration and implementation of the CDP and CDF as the source funding. They also help detect and address weaknesses in internal controls which are important mechanisms whenever public funds are being utilised on behalf of the people. Financial Controller Paul Gregory Alalo, who led the MRD team for the compliance check, recognized Hon. Minister Bosawai and his constituency team for the job well done. 'I am satisfied. Your compliance with the government's procurement guidelines, procedures, and policies is outstanding. You have set the precedence, and this is the standard that we encourage other constituencies to emulate,' Mr. Alalo emphasized. Mr. Alalo then encouraged the constituency team to continue the good work and to keep supporting their MP for the constituency's prosperity, and, most importantly, to always adhere to the government's procurement guidelines and principles. MRD Director of Rural Development Division (RDD) Milfred Delemani shared similar sentiments. While acknowledging Hon. Dr. Bosawai for his bold step, Mr. Delemani highlighted that NGC is the first-ever constituency to support the MRD reform efforts and particularly in this spot audit on its CDF expenditures. 'This really paves the way forward for good governance, transparency, and accountability, in alignment with the CDF Act are setting the pace for all constituencies in financial and procurement audit,' Mr Delemani said. 'I am heartened to see such proactive, passionate, and energetic leaders like you taking the courage to initiate and set out new directions and setting the standards for the betterment of your people and the wider Solomon Islands,' Mr. Delemani underscored. MRD Director of Governance, Noel Matea, stressed that audit compliance has been a challenge for the ministry over the years, but with the enforcement of the CDF Act 2023, it become legally necessary for every constituency to comply with the legislative guidelines and policies to avoid legal implications. 'You have set a standard, and this is the highest standard we encourage every constituency to fulfill,' Mr. Matea said. Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Bosawai acknowledged the MRD team for accepting his invitation to initiate the audit spot-check with his Constituency. 'It is good to start something, somewhere as an example for other constituencies because we are using Public Funds. 'I have a big dream, and that is to build and create a better Solomon Islands that one day everyone can enjoy its prosperity. My intention in involving myself in politics is not to win elections but to bring the change that my people have long hoped for. To realize that change, we must unite in our determination and efforts. The change must begin with us. Navigating change is tough, and as leaders, we cannot expect change to happen miraculously unless we are willing to reflect, learn, and grow,' Hon. Dr. Bosawai emphasized. Hon. Dr. Bosawai also asserted that as part of the transformative leadership and change he is advocating for his constituency; he has also directed his constituency office and informed his constituency that no member of his immediate family will receive assistance or project under the NGC CDF allocation. 'I have restricted my own Bosawai family from the NGC CDF support, not because I wanted to attract attention and admiration from people, but because I know God has already blessed my family with just enough, and now it is time to prioritize the needs and well-being of others. More importantly by doing this, I am limiting myself from any form of conflict of interest which may jeopardise my own integrity as a leader for my own constituents and the country,' he explained. Hon. Dr. Bosawai also took the opportunity to discuss his greater plans for his constituency development aspirations, aiming to deliver tangible developments that will grow the rural economy and support rural communities' livelihoods for a better life. Hon. Dr. Bosawai is a first-time MP for NGC. His first major project delivered last year was the improvement of road infrastructures within his constituency. This year, NGC focuses on income-generating projects to support communities and constituents who are keen to participate in economic initiatives and improving rural livelihoods. Under the CDF Act 2023, Section 30, the CDF is subject to audit.
Scoop
24-04-2025
- Scoop
MRD To Undertake Spot Monitoring Of CDF Projects In All 50 Constituencies
Press Release – Solomon Islands MRD This is to gauge the level of project implementations in the constituencies as well as identify areas which may need improvements in its service delivery and development programs. The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) will soon commence spot monitoring of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) projects in all the 50 constituencies. This is to gauge the level of project implementations in the constituencies as well as identify areas which may need improvements in its service delivery and development programs. 'Project monitoring is one of the key activities the ministry will put more emphasis on this year and in the years ahead to improve the smooth implementation of projects and ensure that CDF funds are utilized for the benefit of every community and constituents. 'Project Monitoring is a vital process in any development program and MRD will work to undertake this process in all the 50 constituencies. This is an important exercise to ensure that the government receives value for money across its initiatives, projects, and processes for the advancement of socio-economic development and building livelihoods in the rural areas,' MRD said in an issued statement. The Ministry, while acknowledging challenges faced in its Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) implementation in past years due to limited resources, technical capacity gaps, and procedural complications, thanked the GNUT government for its commitment and support to the Constituency Development programme (CDP). This is demonstrated through an allocation of over $1 million in MRD's budget for M&E this financial year 2025. Also, as part of the ministry's efforts to strengthen its in-house M&E capacity, the Ministry recently recruited three (3) M&E officers, boosting the ministry's manpower for efficient and effective service delivery. 'The experience and capability the officers bring is a bonus and will surely help the Ministry to best deliver its key mandates and functions, support constituency development program implementations and policy priorities towards enhancing delivery of services to the rural people of Solomon Islands,' the statement said. The Ministry calls on all constituencies and beneficiaries to support and work with MRD to implement this activity.
