BY DESMOND RAHE
A milestone in inclusive community development was celebrated recently with the official handover of 13 poultry and piggery projects to local communities on Savo Island, Central Islands Province.
The initiative, aimed at empowering women and people with disabilities, was delivered under a UN Women-supported program in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Casper Fa’asala, Chief Executive Officer of the Disabled People’s Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI), said the project is a milestone achievement for Savo communities.
“This is about empowering communities to work together, recognise abilities, and create a sustainable future,” said Fa’asala. “It’s not just about pigs and chickens — it’s about livelihoods, income, and dignity.”
Fa’asala explained the project was carried out in three phases. The first involved consultation and social mapping, where people with disabilities were asked what types of livelihood activities they preferred. From this process, poultry and piggery were identified as the most suitable and desired ventures.
“We asked what they liked, and from a community workshop, two specific projects came out — piggery and poultry,” he shared. “The goal was to not only sustain life but also create income-generating opportunities.”
Phase two focused on training and capacity building, where community members learned how to care for livestock, manage small farms, and use local resources for feed to reduce costs.
“We collaborated with partners for training — how to survey, keep livestock, and manage pigs and poultry,” Fa’asala explained. “This knowledge is vital for long-term success.”
The final phase involved the construction of housing structures for the animals — a task that required coordination, materials, and perseverance.
“It was not easy,” Fa’asala said. “But we pushed through, and we are proud to have successfully completed all 13 projects.”
The project places strong emphasis on using local breeds and feed sources, encouraging resilience and self-reliance among recipients. It also stands as a model for inclusive, community-led development that recognises and supports people of all abilities.
The handover ceremony ended with a ribbon-cutting at one of the piggery sites, symbolising a new chapter for Savo Island.
“This is just the beginning,” Fa’asala said. “Let this be a shining example of what can be achieved when we listen, include, and empower every member of our community.”