Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Kastom Gaden food futures & nutritional health for Solomon Is. communities ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://kastomgaden.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Pacific School Food Talanoa | 2nd – 4th June 2026](https://kastomgaden.org/pacific-school-food-talanoa-2nd-4th-june-2026/) - Pacific School Food Talanoa 2026 — shaping stronger, healthier, and more resilient school food systems for Pacific children. - [KGA trains women in simple technology to reduce fire wood use in cooking](https://kastomgaden.org/kga-trains-women-in-simple-technology-to-reduce-fire-wood-use-in-cooking/) - This fuel‑efficient stove uses less firewood, helping women save time on collection while reducing deforestation. - [Cover crop system developed using 'Ladoa bean’](https://kastomgaden.org/cover-crop-system-developed-using-ladoa-bean/) - Lionel Maeliu at Gwaunafiu Farmer School showed us this amazing cover crop system he has developed using 'Ladoa bean’. - [Back to the Roots — Kastom Gaden](https://kastomgaden.org/back-to-the-roots-kastom-gaden/) - A story about the beginnings of the Kastom Gaden... - [Vegetable Fruit Salad with Pineapple](https://kastomgaden.org/vegetable-fruit-salad-with-pineapple/) - Contributed by: Lyndella Sanau (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Yam Pudding with Coconut Cream](https://kastomgaden.org/yam-pudding-with-coconut-cream/) - Contributed by: Mr. Gabriel Kabui, (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Slippery Cabbage with Ngali Nut](https://kastomgaden.org/slippery-cabbage-with-ngali-nut/) - Contributed by: Mrs. Esther Lodu, (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Creamed Banana](https://kastomgaden.org/creamed-banana/) - Contributed by: Mrs. Esther Lodu, (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Banana Pudding](https://kastomgaden.org/banana-pudding/) - Contributed by: Mrs. Esther Lodu, (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Local Egg Omelet](https://kastomgaden.org/local-egg-omelet/) - Contributed by: Mrs. Esther Lodu, (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Masimasi ](https://kastomgaden.org/masimasi/) - Contributed by: Dzidzornya Dimu, (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Slippery Cabbage with Coconut Cream](https://kastomgaden.org/slippery-cabbage-with-coconut-cream/) - Contributed by: Ms. Thecla Vapusi, (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Yam Pudding in Bamboo](https://kastomgaden.org/yam-pudding-in-bamboo/) - Contributed by: Mr. Gabriel, (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Fern Salad](https://kastomgaden.org/fern-salad/) - Contributed by: Lyndella Sanau (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Fruit Salad](https://kastomgaden.org/fruit-salad/) - Contributed by: Lyndella Sanau (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Slippery Cabbage with Coconut Milk](https://kastomgaden.org/slippery-cabbage-with-coconut-milk/) - Contributed by: Ms. Terence Raike, (KGA), Honiara, Solomon Islands - [Green Banana [Tamatama]](https://kastomgaden.org/green-banana-tamatama/) - Prepared by: DJAM Catering — Five Minute or Tari Banana variety - [Bonbone Fish [Roma/Reef Fish]](https://kastomgaden.org/bonbone-fish-roma-reef-fish/) - Prepared by: DJAM Catering - [Chiliri Potatoes/Cassava](https://kastomgaden.org/chiliri-potatoes-cassava/) - Prepared by: DJAM Catering - [Cassava [Tamatama]](https://kastomgaden.org/cassava-tamatama/) - Prepared by: DJAM Catering - [Cream Pumpkin Fruit](https://kastomgaden.org/cream-pumpkin-fruit/) - Prepared by: DJAM Catering - [Raba Kori Ore [Motu Pudding Cassava with Ngali Nut]](https://kastomgaden.org/raba-kori-ore-motu-pudding-cassava-with-ngali-nut/) - Prepared by: DJAM Catering - [Raba Rusa [Pund Cassava with Ngali Nut]](https://kastomgaden.org/raba-rusa-pund-cassava-with-ngali-nut/) - Prepared by: DJAM Catering - [Slippery Cabbage with Drumstick](https://kastomgaden.org/slippery-cabbage-with-drumstick/) - Prepared by: DJAM Catering - [Chencheni Neka [Slippery Cabbage with Ngali Nut]](https://kastomgaden.org/chencheni-neka-slippery-cabbage-with-ngali-nut/) - Prepared by: DJAM Catering - [Crystal Koale at the PIFON Learning and Planning Week](https://kastomgaden.org/crystal-koale-at-the-pifon-learning-and-planning-week/) - Great moments from the recent PIFON Learning and Planning Week in Honiara — where our KGA team joined other farmer organizations from across the Pacific to build confidence and strengthen advocacy skills — October 2025 Building Confidence in Communication: Policy Pitch Capacity Building As part of the Climate Resilient Farming in the Pacific Islands Program, - [Pacific Manual — Plant Health Clinics](https://kastomgaden.org/pacific-manual-plant-health-clinics/) - A training manual for plant health doctors in Pacific island countries This manual has been developed for trainers to assist in the training of agriculture extension staff in Pacific island countries to become plant health doctors. The doctors will be responsible for the development and running of plant health clinics (PHC) Download PDF chapters from - [PMN archived website](https://kastomgaden.org/pmn-archived-website/) - The aim of the Solomon Islands Planting Material Network (PMN) is to increase the self-reliance of Solomon Island farmers in the supply of agricultural seed and vegetative planting material and in the skills of productive, low external input farming. The PMN website was last updated and displayed in 2007. View PMN archived website - [Kastom Gaden Assoc. archived website](https://kastomgaden.org/kastom-gaden-assoc-archived-website/) - KGA website archived before 2007 — last updated and displayed 14 October 2007 Visit KGA archived website - [Sasamuqa Hospital re-establishes hospital garden for patients](https://kastomgaden.org/sasamuqa-hospital-re-establishes-hospital-garden-for-patients/) - Kastom Gaden is working again with Sasamuqa Hospital as one of its key rural partners. The aim is a partnership to promote food security and good nutrition. As part of the partnership the hospital has restarted the hospital garden which they began when working with Kastom gaden in the 1990s. The garden is now growing - [KGA’s Cofounder – Joini Tutua Dies](https://kastomgaden.org/kgas-cofounder-joini-tutua-dies/) - ‘Father of organic farming’ passed away THE man who was regarded as the ‘father of organic farming’ in the country has died peacefully at his home at Burns Creek, east Honaira on Monday 17th May 2010 at around 1.15 am. Joini Tutua, 73, died early Monday morning after battling many months of cancer. Mr Tutua previously a - [PMN Newsletter No 16](https://kastomgaden.org/pmn-newsletter-no-16/) - This issue of the PMN news includes info on: Kastom Gadens partnership planning workshops Seed available from the PMN Recommended sweet potato varieties following farmer trials at germplasm centres Using legumes for soil improvement Download PMN Newsletter — issue 16 [PDF 445 MB] - [PMN Newsletter No. 17](https://kastomgaden.org/pmn-newsletter-no-17/) - Inside stories: editorial partner news PMN news digest PMN Central Link news farming tips KGA news Download PMN Newsletter — Issue 17 [PDF 5.9MB] - [KGA business plan for PMN](https://kastomgaden.org/kga-business-plan-for-pmn/) - Kastom Gaden has developed a draft business plan for income generation for the organisation. KGA is dependent on its aid donor partners for its funding but it is looking to the future and what options it may have for other sources of funds to sustain services. Most rural farmers cannot at present afford to pay - [Hidden Taro, hidden talent](https://kastomgaden.org/hidden-taro-hidden-talent/) - ...by the Taro Genetic Resource Conservation and Utilisation project implemented in part by the Solomon Islands Planting Matrial Network. Introduction Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is one of the most ancient cultivated crops. It is now believed that domestication may have occurred independently in the Indo-Malayan and the Pacific regions centred in Melanesia (Matthews 2000). Taro is - [PMN Conference 2003](https://kastomgaden.org/pmn-conference-2003/) - THE SOLOMONS – SEEDS OF PEACE The third national Planting Material Network (PMN) and the first Melanesian Farmer’s Seed Saving Conference was held in a secondary school on Choiseul Bat at the most north-westerly point of the Solomon Islands. This long-held dream of the Seed Savers Network to showcase the highly-successful PMN to people from - [PMN 2009 National Farmers Conference report released](https://kastomgaden.org/pmn-2009-national-farmers-conference-report-released/) - From a report by Inia Barry, Thecla Vapusy & Esther Ririmae: The last PMN conference was held six years ago in 2003 and so it was exciting for members to attend a PMN conference in 2009. The seventy or so lead farmer participants for the 2009 event came from all over the Solomon’s. The farmer - [PMN Newsletter 2007](https://kastomgaden.org/pmn-newsletter-2007/) - Spring Edition 2007… feeding village poultry tok tok blond editors welkam long spell kokorako nius kokorako local kai kai farmers research committee farm trials at Burns Creek Report from the Farmer’s Schools Disaster reponse help save our seeds. Download PDF [1 MB] - [KGA New Board of Trustees](https://kastomgaden.org/kga-new-board-of-trustees/) - The Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) has successfully convened its first Annual General Meeting on the 11thFebruary. It was the first AGM to be conducted after several attempts failed during the past years. It is a one day of deliberation and reflection of KGA program activities and performance through various reports and presentations. They also have - [Writeshop on farmer technologies useful for climate change adaptation](https://kastomgaden.org/writeshop-on-farmer-technologies-useful-for-climate-change-adaptation/) - 36 Participants from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji have gathered in Honiara this week to share their expertise and experiences in practical farming methods to give advice to rural people in Melanesia on how to prepare and their food security in preparation for the increasing effects of climate change. They were joined by five artists - [KGA Members](https://kastomgaden.org/kga-members/) - It may be the right time that we should pay tribute to the very people who are working behind the scene to ensure the smooth running of the Kastom Gaden Association. They are the members of the KGA Council and they performed all acts necessary and expedient to keep KGA successful in operation. Led by - [KGA is a partner in the Pacific regional FO4ACP project](https://kastomgaden.org/kga-is-a-partner-in-the-pacific-regional-fo4acp-project/) - Kastom Gaden Association (KGA), as a founding member of the Pacific Islands Farmer Organisation Network (PIFON) has joined a regional Pacific project funded by IFAD that is strengthening Farmer organisations across the Pacific. In year one of the project a lot of progress was made despite the impact of Covid 19. Figures for the Pacific: 9 Countries - [Local Solutions for Global Crisis: Dr Shane Tutua](https://kastomgaden.org/local-solutions-for-global-crisis-dr-shane-tutua/) - Video by Pacific Organic & Ethical Trade Community, November 2022 Dr Shane Tutua is an organic farmer with Zai Na Tina farm in Honiara, Solomon Islands. He talks about the impact of Climate Change in Solomon Islands and why Agroforestry holds the solutions for farmers in fighting global crisis. The Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network - [Kastom Gaden Showcase Makira Banana Varieties](https://kastomgaden.org/kastom-gaden-showcase-makira-banana-varieties/) - Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) has successfully participated in show casing more than 40 varieties of banana during the recent Makira Banana Festival in Makira Province. The banana festival was part of the tourism promotion aimed at attracting visitors to Makira and to see the culture they have with this popular food crop as it is - [New varieties of Taro for isolated farmers](https://kastomgaden.org/new-varieties-of-taro-for-isolated-farmers/) - This story comes from an active lead farmer from the weather coast of Makira, Kastom Gaden distributed crops varieties for farmers to trial in their gardens in different parts of the island. Mattew Wewa was a farmer and a member of the Planting Material Network. He has received many planting materials from Kastom Gaden Association, - [KGA partners carry out farmer trials on soil fertility](https://kastomgaden.org/kga-partners-carry-out-farmer-trials-on-soil-fertility/) - How to improve soil fertility under declining bush fallows is a major problem for farmers across Solomon Islands. Land is under increasing pressure. Three KGA partners are currently testing soil fertility improvement methods using organic farming approaches. The methods are glircidia ( a legume tree coppiced for nitrogen rich mulch) vetiver grass (a contour erosion - [KGA shares seven new varieties of Giant Swamp Taro (Kakake)](https://kastomgaden.org/kga-shares-seven-new-varieties-of-giant-swamp-taro-kakake/) - For most farmers swamp taro is not new to them and has been part of their agriculture for generations. But swamp taro is not traditionally grown in all parts of the Solomons. KGA is looking to change that and make sure that farmers in all isolated areas have access to this important crop. Most farmers - [PestNet website upgrade](https://kastomgaden.org/pestnet-website-upgrade/) - PestNet is a community network that helps people throughout the world obtain rapid advice and information on plant protection. Topics include pest identification from digital images, pest outbreak alerts, pest management (biological, cultural, and chemical), and biosecurity matters. The PestNet website has recently been rebuild and includes links to: fact sheets on diagnosing and managing plant - [Importance of seed saving in Melanesia—the video](https://kastomgaden.org/importance-of-seed-saving-in-melanesia-the-video/) - Our Seeds: Seeds Blong Yumi In September 2008 Seed Savers released “Our Seeds: Seeds Blong Yumi”, a 57 minute documentary that celebrates traditional food plants the people that grow them. Kastom Gaden Association lead farmers feature in the video where they share their experiences of looking after the crop biodiversity of Melanesia. View the video: From the - [Video for indigenous people on understanding climate change](https://kastomgaden.org/video-for-indigenous-people-on-understanding-climate-change/) - Fever (English) from LifeMosaic on Vimeo. This post is to share a link to Fever – A Video Guide, a set of videos for use by indigenous communities and their allies. This video may be useful for KGA farmers and partners in helping to better understand climate change – explained in a very simple and clear way. The video - [APP: Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds](https://kastomgaden.org/app-pacific-pests-pathogens-weeds/) - Story by PestNet , updated December 2022 When crop pests and diseases occur, farmers want help and advice immediately. They don't want to wait and in many cases, they cannot wait. Unless they act quickly, the crop could be ruined. This App gives extension staff and lead farmers all the information they need to treat the crop. If - [Kastom Gaden — leading sustainable agriculture](https://kastomgaden.org/kastom-gaden-leading-sustainable-agriculture/) - Story by SIBC News (Solomon Islands) 10 October 2025 Communities in the Solomon Islands have been affected by climate change, sea level rise, and the ongoing challenges these pose to subsistence agricultural farming, food production, and the overall livelihood of the people. As these environmental pressures intensify, many are looking for sustainable solutions to preserve - [PMN Membership](https://kastomgaden.org/pmn-membership/) - Join or renew your Planting Material Network (PMN) membershipThere are almost 2000 members of PMN across Solomon Islands. Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) works with the members of PMN.Anyone can join the PMN either as:an individuala groupor organisation.Membership costs is $15 and is life long. If you don’t have any cash you can pay by donating - [PMN seed bank](https://kastomgaden.org/pmn-seed-bank/) - Planting Material Network (PMN) Central Link hosted by Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) at Burns creek maintains a seed bank for members.Small quantities of seed are available for members – limit of one packet per variety. If you want more packets you can purchase them.After taking seed from PMN seed bank, members are encourage to save - [PMN history 2004](https://kastomgaden.org/pmn-history-2004/) - Paper presented to the Fiji PAPGREN meeting in Suva, 2004 by Tony Jansen.The Solomon Islands Planting Material Network (SIPMN) was set up in 1995 during a stakeholder workshop facilitated by two NGO’s (non-government organisations):Seed Savers Network (http://www.seedsavers.net.au), an Australian NGOKastom Gaden Project (now Kastom Gaden Association, an independent NGO registered in the Solomon Islands – - [How PMN works](https://kastomgaden.org/how-pmn-works/) - Planting material conisists of seeds as well as plants that are reproduced vegetatively (from parts of a parent plant, such as cuttings and root divisions). In other parts of the world farmers have started ‘seed saving’ groups. In solomon Islands many of the most important staple crops such as sweet potato, taro, yam, cassava and ## Pages - [Home](https://kastomgaden.org/) - Food security & nutritional health for Solomon Island Communities - [Video](https://kastomgaden.org/video/) - Video Click on the links below to view our other stories in these categories… Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video KGAVideoCrystal Koale at the PIFON Learning and Planning Week24 October 2025KGAVideoKastom Gaden — leading sustainable agriculture24 October 2025VideoLocal Solutions for Global - [Recipes](https://kastomgaden.org/recipes/) - Recipes Helti Kaikai Cookbook was published by Kastom Gaden Association, November 2025. Explore the recipes below.Click on the links below to view our other stories in these categories… Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video Looking for a recipe with any of - [Plants](https://kastomgaden.org/plants/) - Plants Click on the links below to view our other stories in these categories… Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video PlantsCover crop system developed using ‘Ladoa bean’2 December 2025PlantsKastom Gaden Showcase Makira Banana Varieties19 June 2014PlantsNew varieties of Taro for isolated - [Pest Management](https://kastomgaden.org/pest-management/) - Pest Management Click on the links below to view our other stories in these categories Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video Pest managementPestNet website upgrade20 July 2025Pest managementPacific Manual — Plant Health Clinics2 November 2024Pest managementAPP: Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds25 - [KGA stories](https://kastomgaden.org/kga-stories/) - KGA stories Click on the links below to view our other stories in these categories Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video KGAVideoCrystal Koale at the PIFON Learning and Planning Week24 October 2025KGAVideoKastom Gaden — leading sustainable agriculture24 October 2025KGAKGA is a - [PMN stories](https://kastomgaden.org/pmn-stories/) - PMN stories Click on the links below to view our other stories in these categories… Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video PMNHow PMN works24 October 2025PMNPMN Membership24 October 2025PMNPMN seed bank24 October 2025PMNPMN history 200424 October 2025PMNPMN Newsletter No. 1715 December - [Stories](https://kastomgaden.org/stories/) - Stories Click on the links below to view our other stories in these categories… Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video Stories KGA stories PMN stories Pest Management Plants Recipes Video StoriesPacific School Food Talanoa | 2nd – 4th June 20268 June 2026PlantsCover crop system developed using ‘Ladoa bean’2 December 2025RecipesGreen Banana - [Projects](https://kastomgaden.org/project/) - Projects Over the more than two and a half decades since its inception, KGA has implemented and been involved in a diversity of projects addressing the food security and the agricultural productivity of Solomon Island villages. Projects include: the sustainable Livelihoods for Rural Youth project the Lauru hospital food garden and training project associated with - [Get in touch](https://kastomgaden.org/get-in-touch/) - Contact Information Contact us if you have any questions, suggestions or requests.You can also send us a message on WhatApp +677 798 6883 Send us a messageSend us a message if you have any questions or requests… Name *E-MailYour Message Send Message Contact Information Contact us if you have any questions, suggestions or requests… KGA Office - [Profile Page](https://kastomgaden.org/profile-page/) - Meet the team KGA has 22 staff in a structure that was developed with input from partners, farmers, staff and board members with the aim of providing the best services to rural people.Names, positions and contact details for KGA staff are included here: Pitakia Tikai Program Manager Summary of Pita’s work to go here. View - [About Us](https://kastomgaden.org/about-us/) - About Us Who are we? The Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) works with Solomon Island communities to improve family health and food security through:encouraging community self-reliance and organic food production for the family first, and then for local marketssupporting farmer-to-farmer learning and support networkssupporting family nutrition through access to fresh foodsfinding solutions that support farm adaptation - [What we do](https://kastomgaden.org/what-we-do/) - Services What we do Kastom Gaden Association offers a broad range of support services to develop a Melanesian approach to climate resilient farming and village economic development.information services for village farmers, agricultural advisers and partner organisationsyouth in agriculture projectswomen & nutritional healthmarketing & farm produce value addingproject management & organisational development including project design and - [Profile test](https://kastomgaden.org/profile-test/) - Profile test Click on the links below to view our KGA Projects in these categories… Profile test Click on the links below to view our KGA Projects in these categories… Alice RitterView profileMary TimothyDetails coming soon,.View profileCrystal KoaleDetails coming soon.View profileNatally RenceDetails coming soon.View profileTarzan SeganaDetails coming soon.View profileLandingtonView profileJodi KamaI joined KGA to gain - [Test 2](https://kastomgaden.org/test-2/) - Test 2 We pioneered international adoption and we remain the leaders today, upholding the highest ethical standards as we unite loving, permanent families with children who truly need them. - [Home-theme](https://kastomgaden.org/home-theme/) - They Also Want A Carefree ChildhoodThe world is in the grip of the most devastating hunger crisis ever seen. The lives of 26 million children are at risk. Make a Donation Your $40.00 monthly donation can give 12 people clean water every year. 100% funds water projects. people facing food insecurity 0 million people WFP - [Campaigns Page](https://kastomgaden.org/campaigns-page/) - Campaigns No, Silicon Valley - bugs are not features. Reach out about a technical issue, share your feedback or ask us about our favorite lunch spot in Miami. We’re here no matter what. Take Action All Child Poverty Education Health The Climate Crisis The Hunger Crisis War in Ukraine AllChild PovertyEducationHealthThe Climate CrisisThe Hunger CrisisWar - [Donation Confirmation](https://kastomgaden.org/donation-confirmation/) - [give_receipt] - [Donation Failed](https://kastomgaden.org/donation-failed/) - We're sorry, your donation failed to process. 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Their separate existence is a myth. For science, music, sport, etc, Europe uses the same vocabulary. The languages only differ in their grammar, their pronunciation and their most common words. To achieve this, it would be necessary to have uniform grammar, pronunciation and more - [Donation Confirmation](https://kastomgaden.org/donation-confirmation-2/) - Home/Donation Confirmation Donation Confirmation [give_receipt] - [Donation Failed](https://kastomgaden.org/donation-failed-2/) - Home/Donation Failed Donation Failed We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support. - [Donor Dashboard](https://kastomgaden.org/donor-dashboard-2/) - Home/Donor Dashboard Donor Dashboard ## Profiles - [Lyndellar Sanau](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/lyndellar-sanau/) - I chose to work at KGA because I have a strong passion for supporting rural communities, particularly in improving their livelihoods and strengthening food security. - [Frances Muriel](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/frances-muriel/) - I wanted to work at KGA to gain experience and learn about the Kastom Gaden Association and how the organization works to help its farmer in the community provinces around the Solomon Islands. - [Natally Rence](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/natalie-rence/) - Details coming soon. - [Mary Timothy](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/mary-timothy/) - Details coming soon,. - [Tarzan Segana](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/tarzen-segana/) - Details coming soon. - [Crystal Koale](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/crystal-koale/) - Details coming soon. - [Jodi Kama](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/jodi-kama/) - I joined KGA to gain experience in operation management. - [Dzidzornya Dimu](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/dzidzornya-dimu/) - I joined KGA to gain experience. - [Terence Torres Raike](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/terence-torres-raike/) - I am passionate about agriculture and wanted to help farmers and the whole agricultural sector in the Solomon Islands, a good way was to start with the association. - [Maureen Mary Warahiia](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/maureen-mary-warahiia/) - I have a passion for working with rural communities promoting food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development contributing to women leading leadership through Agriculture - [Pitakia Tikai](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/pitakia-tikai/) - Summary of Pita's work to go here. - [Alice Ritter](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/alice-ritter/) - [Landington](https://kastomgaden.org/cmsms_profiles/landington/) ## Campaigns - [Child Poverty in America ](https://kastomgaden.org/campaigns/child-poverty-in-america/) - Child Poverty in America Your support today can give a child growing up in poverty in America the opportunity for a brighter future. About Campaign Skyrocketing wheat prices could put millions of children in the world’s most fragile contexts, such as Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria, at risk of illness or even death due to hunger. - [Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Learn](https://kastomgaden.org/campaigns/every-child-deserves-the-opportunity-to-learn/) - Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Learn We help children get ready for kindergarten and learn to read by third grade — a major indicator of future success. About Campaign Skyrocketing wheat prices could put millions of children in the world’s most fragile contexts, such as Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria, at risk of illness or - [All Children Deserve a Healthy Start in Life](https://kastomgaden.org/campaigns/all-children-deserve-a-healthy-start-in-life/) - All Children Deserve a Healthy Start in Life As a global leader in child health, Save the Children keeps children healthy and thriving. About Campaign Skyrocketing wheat prices could put millions of children in the world’s most fragile contexts, such as Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria, at risk of illness or even death due to hunger. - [Climate Change Is a Grave Threat to Children’s Survival](https://kastomgaden.org/campaigns/climate-change-is-a-grave-threat-to-childrens-survival/) - Climate Change Is a Grave Threat to Children’s Survival Extreme events, including wildfires, floods and hurricanes, have become a frightening new normal. About Campaign Skyrocketing wheat prices could put millions of children in the world’s most fragile contexts, such as Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria, at risk of illness or even death due to hunger. In - [Help Save Children in Ukraine](https://kastomgaden.org/campaigns/help-save-children-in-ukraine/) - Help Save Children in Ukraine In 2022, Save the Children supported nearly 1.1 million people, including 614,000 children, across Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Lithuania. About Campaign Skyrocketing wheat prices could put millions of children in the world’s most fragile contexts, such as Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria, at risk of illness or even death due to - [A Global Food Crisis](https://kastomgaden.org/campaigns/a-global-food-crisis/) - A Global Food Crisis Your donation to the Children’s Emergency Fund supports this life-saving work. Join our political advocacy arm. About Campaign Skyrocketing wheat prices could put millions of children in the world’s most fragile contexts, such as Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria, at risk of illness or even death due to hunger. In places like ## Projects - [ICT4D for Solomon Islands Farmers](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/ict4d-for-solomon-islands-farmers/) - KGA was the recipient of a Grant Agreement from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for the Pacific Islands Rural Agriculture Stimulus Facility (PIRAS) — ICT4D for Solomon Islands Farmers project. - [Accelerating Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment ](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/accelerating-rural-womens-economic-empowerment/) - This program aims to secure rural women’s livelihoods, rights, and resilience, building on the complementary expertise of UN agencies - [A facilitator’s guide for Farmer Field Schools in Solomon Islands](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/a-facilitators-guide-for-farmer-field-schools-in-solomon-islands/) - This comprehensive guide, the first of its kind in the Pacific region, equips facilitators in Solomon Islands to conduct impactful Farmer Field Schools focused on Integrated Pest Management practices. - [NOURISH Project](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/nourish-project/) - Kastom Gaden Association is collaborating with World Vision Solomon Islands (WVSI) under an MOU for activities related to the NOURISH project in Makira Ulawa Province (MUP). - [Helti Kaikai Cookbook](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/helti-kaikai-cookbook/) - Helti Kaikai Cookbook was published by Kastom Garden Association, Honiara, Solomon Islands, November 2025. - [Kastom Gaden Strategic Plan 2025-2030](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/kastom-gaden-strategic-plan-2025-2030/) - IntroductionProcess / who was involvedThis strategic plan’s development started with an organisational reflection meeting with fifteen participants drawn from staff, board members, farmers and partner organisations (held on the 1st February 2024 at the KGA centre at Burns Creek in Honiara).This was followed by 3 strategic planning meetings that were held to consult with farmers, - [Agroforestry handbook](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/agroforestry-handbook/) - Rural livelihood handbook for trainees Handbooks by Russ Grayson for the development of rural livelihoods in the Solomon Islands were produced following the coup and inter-communal conflict. The handbooks were written for rural youth and were distributed as part of an AusAID-funded Sustainable Livelihoods for Rural Youth Project, a training program. Agroforestry Growing income for Solomon - [Pig Farming handbook](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/pig-farming-handbook/) - Handbooks by Russ Grayson for the development of rural livelihoods in the Solomon Islands were produced following the coup and inter-communal conflict. The handbooks were written for rural youth and were distributed as part of an AusAID-funded Sustainable Livelihoods for Rural Youth Project, a training program. Pig Farming Breeding and keeping pigs for income and food - [Improved Kokorako Keeping handbook](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/improved-kokorako-keeping-handbook/) - Rural livelihood handbook for trainees Handbooks by Russ Grayson for the development of rural livelihoods in the Solomon Islands were produced following the coup and inter-communal conflict. The handbooks were written for rural youth and were distributed as part of an AusAID-funded Sustainable Livelihoods for Rural Youth Project, a training program. Improved Kokorako Keeping Breeding and - [Information collection to produce handbooks](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/information-collection-to-produce-handbooks/) - REPORT AUTHOR: RUSS GRAYSON, JANUARY 2004. I spent several weeks in the Solomon Islands from late-November and into December. Later, I was joined by Fiona Campbell. As members of TerraCircle, I had been contracted to produce handbooks for trainees in the Sustainable Livelihoods for Rural Youth Project (SLYRP), funded by AusAID. Our mission in the - [KGA Evaluation 1998](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/kga-evaluation-1998/) - Assessing the programme Monitoring visits by Australian staff in 1997 and 1998 provided the opportunity for Solomon Island staff to get together and take a look at their work. The aim of the monitoring visits was to develop a picture of the program for APACE management, however the information was also useful to program staff - [Improved Household Gardening Skills](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/improved-household-gardening-skills/) - Ideas to improve the productivity of home and bush food gardens so as to improve village food security and family nutrition, based on the LEISA (Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture) model of small-scale farming. Illustrated. Published by Kastom Garden Association, Solomon Islands 2003. Download PDF [4.6MB} - [Integrated Pest Management](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/integrated-pest-management/) - Written by Kastom Gaden Association program manager, Roselyn Kabu, included are traditional and modern approaches to the organic management of Pacific island crop pests as assessed during an AusAID-funded project on Malaita. Published by Kastom Garden Association, Solomon Islands 2003. Download PDF [3.7MB} - [Community Seed Saving](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/community-seed-saving/) - Written by Emma Stone who spent periods working with the Solomon Islands Planting Materials Network, a farmer’s seed saving and plant propagation network, to improve the operation of the Network. Emma’s latter period with the Network was as an Australian Youth Ambassador, a program set up by AusAID. Download PDF [4.1MB] - [Unheard Voices of the Bush](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/unheard-voices-of-the-bush/) - The Weather Coast Assessments THE TERRACIRCLE TEAM has partnered with Kastom Gaden Association, Solomon Islands, in conducting AusAID-funded assessments of remote communities on the weather coasts of Guadalcanal and Makira islands. The assessments cover the food security, village energy and livelihoods potentials. Unheard Voices of the Bush Currently in editing and layout, this third and - [Report April ’07: impacts of earthquake & tsunami disaster](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/report-april-07-impacts-of-earthquake-tsunami-disaster/) - Madagascar Chameleon is dedicated to the conservation and protection of chameleon species native to Madagascar. Our project focuses on habitat preservation, combating the threats of deforestation and climate change, and promoti Report April ’07: impacts of earthquake & tsunami disaster Rapid assessment: food security & agricultural impacts A team from Kastom Gaden Association conducted a - [Extreme Living, Extreme Need](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/extreme-living-extreme-need/) - The Weather Coast Assessments THE TERRACIRCLE TEAM has partnered with Kastom Gaden Association, Solomon Islands, in conducting AusAID-funded assessments of remote communities on the weather coasts of Guadalcanal and Makira islands. The assessments cover the food security, village energy and livelihoods potentials. Extreme Living, Extreme Need Kastom Gaden Association report on foods security, agriculture, energy - [Blue Seas and Bush Gardens](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/blue-seas-and-bush-gardens/) - KGA Evaluation Report Evaluation report of APACE’s Kastom Garden Project, Solomon Islands entitled Blue Seas and Bush Gardens: the story of an innovative NGO in the Solomon Islands. Published in 2002 and updated 2006. Download PDF [5.6MB] - [People on the Edge](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/people-on-the-edge/) - A Weather Coast Assessment THE TERRACIRCLE TEAM has partnered with Kastom Gaden Association, Solomon Islands, in conducting AusAID-funded assessments of remote communities on the weather coasts of Guadalcanal and Makira islands. The assessments cover the food security, village energy and livelihoods potentials. People on the Edge Kastom Gaden Association report on foods security, agriculture, energy - [The Gwaunifiu Report](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/the-gwaunifiu-report/) - Learning from experience Report of the Gwaunafiu meeting of the Melanesian farmer Forest Network 2004 Report of the Gwaunifiu meeting of the Melanesian Farmer First Network 2004. This is an assessment of what has worked and what has not. Compiled by Tony Jansen, TerraCircle program manager, and Grahame Jackson, TerraCircle crop pathologist. Editing and design - [Sustainable Livelihood for Rural Youth Project report](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/sustainable-livelihood-for-rural-youth-project-report/) - The Sustainable Livelihoods for Rural Youth Project (SLRYP) was a two-year project, from 2000 to 2002, funded by AusAID and implemented by Kastom Gaden Association (KGA – a non-government organization registered as a charitable trust in Solomon Islands). Russ Grayson reports on the information collection to produce farmer handbooks for SLRYP at: View information collection - [Lauru Kastom Gaden Project](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/lauru-kastom-gaden-project/) - Project focus The improvement of community food security through the provision of agricultural training. Lauru Kastom Garden Project base – the Sasamunga Primary Health Care Unit building in which the LKGP was based on the island of Choiseul. Project duration and funding Duration: 1997-1999. The project The Lauru Kastom Garden Project (LKGP) was set up - [Makira Banana Collection Project](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/makira-banana-collection-project/) - Documenting Diversity There are hundreds of varieties of banana in the tropics and subtropics. A project on the island of Makira, Solomon Islands, has collected, planted and documented local varieties. Project implementer: Solomon Islands Planting Material NetworkProject manager: Dorothy Tamasia …by Tony Jansen, advisor to Kastom Gaden Programme If you want to learn about bananas - [Solomon Islands Planting Material Network](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/solomon-islands-planting-material-network/) - Project focus – the early years The Solomon Islands Planting Materials Network (PMN) was set up to: preserve, through use, the agricultural biodiversity of the Solomon Islands produce, process and distribute agriculturally useful plants provide training in seed saving assist rural communities to establish regional seed saving centres. The PMN started in 1996 with a - [Lalano High Altitude Farming Project](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/lalano-high-altitude-farming-project/) - Project focus Assessment of crops suitable for growing at elevations between 400 and 600 metres in the mountainous interior of North Malaita island, Solomon Islands. Project duration and funding Duration: Less than one year – 1994. Funding: (Australian dollars) AusAID – $12 439 APACE – $6550 (including in-kind) Other sources – $18 409 Total project funding - [Taro Diversity Fairs](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/taro-diversity-fairs/) - Report by Roselyn Kabu Maemouri, 2004 Promoting on-farm conservation of taro through diversity fairs in the Solomon Islands Introduction This paper is about the experiences of two diversity fairs that were held to promote on farm conservation of taro (Colocasia esculenta) in Solomon Islands. The diversity fairs were held at the site of taro field - [The Taro-Gen Project](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/the-taro-gen-project/) - The Taro-Gen Project …by Jude Fanton, director of the Seed Savers Network in Byron Bay, Australia, April 2002. A report on the taro diversity fair held in the Solomon Islands, an activity of the Taro-Gen Project of the South Pacific Commission. The Planting Material Network (PMN) carried out field work for Taro-Gen. A total of 843 varieties - [Better Growing and Marketing](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/better-growing-marketing/) - Helping Small Farmers Think About Better Growing and Marketing This manual was produced as part of an FAO project which Kastom Gadens Tony Jansen and Roselyn Kabu were involved with authoring. Download PDF [2.3MB] This manual begins by noting that there are many different types of farming families in the Pacific and that most of - [Kastom Gaden launches sweet potato poster](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/kastom-gaden-launches-sweet-potato-poster/) - Printed in 2008 Kastom Gaden Association has launched two posters to promote traditional varieties of bananas and sweet potato with orange coloured flesh which are high in vitamin A. The promotion of these varieties is part of a long term strategy of Kastom Gaden to promote on-farm conservation of agriculture biodiversity for its benefits for - [Bananas from Makira, Solomon Islands Poster](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/bananas-from-makira-solomon-islands-poster/) - Kastom Gaden launches orange banana and sweet potato posters… Printed in 2008 Kastom Gaden Association has launched two posters to promote traditional varieties of bananas and sweet potato with orange coloured flesh which are high in vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for nutrition – particularly for children. By growing eating staple crops that are - [Farm Technology](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/farm-technology/) - Protecting food security through adaption to climate change in Melanesia People from Melanesia heavily rely on their land for their livelihoods. They depend on their environment for food and income from cash crops, for clean water, fertile soil, forests for building materials, medicine and for hunting. Compared to other countries, most Melanesians have very small - [Planting your Seeds brochure](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/planting-your-seeds-brochure/) - Updated March 2025 The Planting Your Seeds to Improve Your Family’s Health brochure explains how to save your own seeds. It was produced by Russ Grayson in 2001 for the Solomon Islands Planting Material Network and funded by AusAID Community Peace Restoration Fund following the intercommunal conflict. Plant your seeds Plant seeds to improve your family’s - [The Forest Foods of Lauru](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/the-forest-foods-of-lauru/) - In the drought of the late 1990s, people in the Solomon Islands and PNG turned to their traditional bush foods to supplement their diets. Now, the population of Central Choiseul, Solomon Islands, has traditional knowledge of its forest foods documented, thanks to an AusAID-funded research and publication project carried out by TerraCircle. The Forest Foods - [Kai Kokorako](https://kastomgaden.org/projects/kai-kokorako/) - Written by Australian chook specialist, Russell Parker of PermaPountry, this is a manual illustrated with line drawings and photographs that describe the keeping of chickens for subsistence and market in the Solomon Islands. Includes breeding, housing, pests, and feeding with local resources. The manual may be applicable to other Pacific islands in the wet maritime ## Categories - [Stories](https://kastomgaden.org/category/stories/) - View our blog stories - [KGA](https://kastomgaden.org/category/kga/) - [Video](https://kastomgaden.org/category/video/) - [Plants](https://kastomgaden.org/category/plants/) - [Pest management](https://kastomgaden.org/category/pest-management/) - [PMN](https://kastomgaden.org/category/pmn/) - [Recipes](https://kastomgaden.org/category/recipes/) ## Tags - [seed saving](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/seed-saving/) - [pest management](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/pest-management/) - [pig farming](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/pig-farming/) - [slippery cabbage](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/slippery-cabbage/) - [coconut](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/coconut/) - [shallot](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/shallot/) - [tomato](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/tomato/) - [ginger](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/ginger/) - [ngali nut](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/ngali-nut/) - [egg](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/egg/) - [banana](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/banana/) - [chilli](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/chilli/) - [cassava](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/cassava/) - [fern](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/fern/) - [pepper](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/pepper/) - [yam](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/yam/) - [salad cabbage](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/salad-cabbage/) - [pineapple](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/pineapple/) - [cucumber](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/cucumber/) - [pawpaw](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/pawpaw/) - [melon](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/melon/) - [bush lime](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/bush-lime/) - [chicken](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/chicken/) - [garlic](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/garlic/) - [pumpkin](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/pumpkin/) - [fish](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/fish/) - [Ladoa bean](https://kastomgaden.org/tag/ladoa-bean/) ## Campaign Categories - [Child Poverty](https://kastomgaden.org/campaign_category/child-poverty/) - [Education](https://kastomgaden.org/campaign_category/education/) - [Health](https://kastomgaden.org/campaign_category/health/) - [The Climate Crisis](https://kastomgaden.org/campaign_category/the-climate-crisis/) - [The Hunger Crisis](https://kastomgaden.org/campaign_category/the-hunger-crisis/) - [War in Ukraine](https://kastomgaden.org/campaign_category/war-in-ukraine/) ## Project Categories - [KGA reports](https://kastomgaden.org/projects_categories/kga-reports/) - [Handbooks](https://kastomgaden.org/projects_categories/handbooks/) - [Publications](https://kastomgaden.org/projects_categories/publications/) - [Projects](https://kastomgaden.org/projects_categories/projects/) - [Training Manuals](https://kastomgaden.org/projects_categories/training-manuals/) - [Climate adaption](https://kastomgaden.org/projects_categories/climate-adaption/) - [Communications](https://kastomgaden.org/projects_categories/communications/)