The Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project National Steering Committee (NSC) today hold its second meeting in Honiara, endorsing the Project’s 2027 Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) to guide the next phase of implementation across Western, Choiseul and Isabel provinces.
The NSC provides high-level strategic oversight of AIM-N, including guiding the project’s strategic direction, supporting effective implementation, ensuring alignment with national and community priorities, and reviewing and approving the Annual Work Plan and Budget.
Opening the meeting, MALD Deputy Secretary for Special Duties Simon Baete congratulated members for prioritising the important session and emphasised the strategic role of AIM-N in national development.
“Our purpose today is vital. The AIM-N Project holds a transformative role in linking our agricultural sectors directly to national nutrition and economic development goals,” Mr Baete said.
He said the Committee’s role was not to micro-manage daily project operations, but to provide strategic oversight, address implementation bottlenecks and ensure the project remains aligned with national priorities.
AIM-N Project Manager Samantha Maeke thanked NSC members for their continued commitment, guidance and support, particularly following the endorsement of the 2027 Annual Work Plan and Budget.
“On behalf of the AIM-N Project Management Unit, we greatly value the continued support and partnership of the National Steering Committee,” she said.
AIM-N is a six-year, approximately US$20 million investment of the Solomon Islands Government and development partners, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP).
The project is designed to improve food security and nutrition, strengthen rural livelihoods, build climate resilience and connect smallholder farmers to markets.
The project directly supports the GREAT Coalition Government’s agriculture transformation agenda, which prioritises food security, increased domestic production, market access, agribusiness, value addition, climate resilience and improved opportunities for rural communities, women and youth.
By linking nutritious food production with markets, investment and rural enterprise development, AIM-N provides an important platform for advancing the Government’s objective of building a more productive, resilient and commercially-oriented agriculture sector that contributes to improved livelihoods and sustainable economic growth.
Source: MALD/ AIM-N Press Release
