The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), in partnership with the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems (STODAS) Project, successfully convened the Second National Task Force Meeting at Outback Hotel on 30 October 2026.
The one-day meeting brought together government representatives, development partners, project focal points, and key stakeholders to review project progress, discuss implementation challenges, and agree on priorities for the successful completion of remaining project activities.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination and collaboration among stakeholders involved in implementing the STODAS Project across the Solomon Islands.
The project supports all provinces and aims to transform domestic agrifood systems through capacity development, policy support, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement.
During the meeting, participants received updates on the implementation status of STODAS activities and discussed achievements, lessons learned, challenges, and recommendations to improve project delivery.
Sessions also focused on beneficiary selection criteria and innovative capacity-building training programmes designed for youth, women, and policymakers to strengthen participation and leadership within the agrifood sector.
A key agenda item was the consideration of the validated National Rural Land Use Policy (NRLUP) 2025-2030.
Participants supported its submission to Cabinet for endorsement and reaffirmed its importance in guiding sustainable land use and agricultural development in Solomon Islands.
The STODAS Project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) and other national stakeholders.
The project contributes to strengthening resilient agrifood systems, improving food security, promoting sustainable agricultural development, and enhancing rural livelihoods throughout the country.
Speaking during the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to ensure the successful delivery of project outcomes and to maximize benefits for farming communities, women, youth, and other stakeholders across the Solomon Islands.
The Second National Task Force Meeting concluded with agreement on key action points, next steps, and resolutions to guide the remaining phase of project implementation and ensure that project objectives are achieved within the agreed timeframe.
Source: MALD Press Release
