JP RWEE Mid-Term Review Survey in Guadalcanal and Malaita Provinces
Kastom Gaden Association (KGA), together with a representative from IFAD, recently facilitated the JP RWEE (Joint Programme on Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment) Mid-Term Review Survey in Guadalcanal and Malaita provinces.
The mid-term review survey started on 26th and 27th of February in Guadalcanal communities before moving to Malaita on the 02nd - 07th of March. During the survey, women representing their households and communities shared their experiences with the programme. Through interviews and discussions, participants highlighted both the successes achieved and the challenges faced as they continue to strengthen their livelihoods and community activities. Their insights are important in helping partners understand the progress of the programme and identify ways to improve support for rural women. These practices reflect the commitment of women and communities to improving food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.
KGA sincerely thanks all the women and communities who participated and shared their valuable experiences. Your voices help guide the future direction of the programme. 🌱
The photos featured here are from the interviewed groups in Malaita Province, along with examples of some of the practices adopted by communities through the programme.
#KastomGadenAssociation #KGA #IFAD #JPRWEE #RuralWomenEmpowerment #SolomonIslands #CommunityDevelopment
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About KGA
About KGA
Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) is an indigenous non-profit organisation (a charitable trust) working with Solomon Island communities to improve their food security.
‘Kastom Gaden’ is a Solomons Pijin language term meaning ‘customary gardening’
‘Kastom Gaden’ is a Solomons Pijin language term meaning ‘customary gardening’
About PMN
About PMN
The Planting Materials Network (PMN) provides Solomon Island farmers the opportunity to exchange seeds and planting materials, agricultural knowledge and techniques, and to participate in training activities run by staff and other farmers.
Membership of PMN is available.
Membership of PMN is available.
What we do
What we do
Kastom Gaden Association provides services to strengthen village-based food production and food security in Solomon Islands. We use practical, participatory approaches that enable villagers to develop their own solutions to improving household food security and their village-based agriculture economy.
Our projects
Our 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. View:
• KGA reports • publications • handbooks • training manuals and • general projects.
• KGA reports • publications • handbooks • training manuals and • general projects.
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Kastom Gaden Association
Kastom Gaden Association is an indigenous registered non profit organisation (charitable trust) in the Solomon Islands
KGA Supporting Live & Learn Solomon Islands 🌱 in Marau, East Guadalcanal
From 23rd to 26th February 2026, Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) was happy to support Live & Learn Solomon Islands in Marau, East Guadalcanal.
During this activity, KGA assisted with the distribution of fruit tree seedlings and farm tools to community members, alongside food processing training delivered to local participants. These activities aim to strengthen food security, improve nutrition, and support communities to make better use of local food resources.
KGA is grateful for the partnership with Live & Learn Solomon Islands and for the active participation of the Marau communities. We look forward to continuing our work together to promote sustainable farming and resilient local food systems.
🙏 Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this activity.
Photos are from the fruit tree seedlings & farm tools distribution and food processing training in Marau.
#KastomGadenAssociation #KGA #LiveAndLearnSolomonIslands #FoodSecurity #EastGuadalcanal #Sustainability #Partnership
From 23rd to 26th February 2026, Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) was happy to support Live & Learn Solomon Islands in Marau, East Guadalcanal.
During this activity, KGA assisted with the distribution of fruit tree seedlings and farm tools to community members, alongside food processing training delivered to local participants. These activities aim to strengthen food security, improve nutrition, and support communities to make better use of local food resources.
KGA is grateful for the partnership with Live & Learn Solomon Islands and for the active participation of the Marau communities. We look forward to continuing our work together to promote sustainable farming and resilient local food systems.
🙏 Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this activity.
Photos are from the fruit tree seedlings & farm tools distribution and food processing training in Marau.
#KastomGadenAssociation #KGA #LiveAndLearnSolomonIslands #FoodSecurity #EastGuadalcanal #Sustainability #Partnership
Supporting Women. Strengthening Homes. Building Resilience. 🌿
In Solomon Islands, many women spend significant time collecting firewood and cooking for their families - responsibilities that impact their time, health, and energy.
Through the Climate Resilient Farming in the Pacific Islands (CRF - PI) Project, We are promoting improved cooking technologies such as the Kiko stove to support households and reduce pressure on our natural resources.
✅ Uses less firewood
✅ Saves time
✅ Reduces harmful indoor smoke
✅ Protects the environment
✅ Builds climate-resilient households
✅ Empowers women with practical skills
On the 3rd, 5th, and 6th of February 2026, trainings were successfully conducted to support women through improved cooking solutions.
📸 Photos are from our recent Kiko Stove trainings completed in Sausama, Saeraghi, and Titiana in Western Province.
Small changes in the kitchen can create big impacts in our communities. 🌏
#womenempowerment #ClimateResilience #kikostove #solomonislands #DFAT #pacificfarmersorganisation #kastomgadenassociation #ClimateResilientFarming
In Solomon Islands, many women spend significant time collecting firewood and cooking for their families - responsibilities that impact their time, health, and energy.
Through the Climate Resilient Farming in the Pacific Islands (CRF - PI) Project, We are promoting improved cooking technologies such as the Kiko stove to support households and reduce pressure on our natural resources.
✅ Uses less firewood
✅ Saves time
✅ Reduces harmful indoor smoke
✅ Protects the environment
✅ Builds climate-resilient households
✅ Empowers women with practical skills
On the 3rd, 5th, and 6th of February 2026, trainings were successfully conducted to support women through improved cooking solutions.
📸 Photos are from our recent Kiko Stove trainings completed in Sausama, Saeraghi, and Titiana in Western Province.
Small changes in the kitchen can create big impacts in our communities. 🌏
#womenempowerment #ClimateResilience #kikostove #solomonislands #DFAT #pacificfarmersorganisation #kastomgadenassociation #ClimateResilientFarming
Yesterday (23rd Feb, 2026)
Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) was pleased to host a Mid-Term Review Enumerators training for the Joint Programme on Accelerating Rural Women's Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE) of the Pacific Islands at our Burns Creek Office.
The online training was facilitated by Mr. Luke Koroisave from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Fiji. Participants were guided through the use of the ODK Collect app for survey data collection, with a strong focus on effective and respectful delivery of questions during fieldwork.
We were especially encouraged to see the training largely attended by young people, highlighting the important role youth continue to play in research, data collection, and advancing rural women’s economic empowerment across our communities.
KGA remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen rural livelihoods and empower women throughout the Solomon Islands and the Pacific.
#KGA #JPRWEE #IFAD #RuralWomenEmpowerment #PacificIslands #YouthTraining
Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) was pleased to host a Mid-Term Review Enumerators training for the Joint Programme on Accelerating Rural Women's Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE) of the Pacific Islands at our Burns Creek Office.
The online training was facilitated by Mr. Luke Koroisave from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Fiji. Participants were guided through the use of the ODK Collect app for survey data collection, with a strong focus on effective and respectful delivery of questions during fieldwork.
We were especially encouraged to see the training largely attended by young people, highlighting the important role youth continue to play in research, data collection, and advancing rural women’s economic empowerment across our communities.
KGA remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen rural livelihoods and empower women throughout the Solomon Islands and the Pacific.
#KGA #JPRWEE #IFAD #RuralWomenEmpowerment #PacificIslands #YouthTraining
Supporting Sustainability with Fruit trees - Thursday 19th Feb, 2026
Yesterday, Kastom Gaden Association proudly supported Live & Learn Solomon Islands through its Empower Project by supplying a variety of fruit tree nurseries to the Marau community in East Guadalcanal.
The fruit trees distributed included jackfruit, guava, cocoa, star fruit, inkori (June plum), sour sop, alite (tropical/beach almond), mango, ngali nut, cut nut, bush apple (Malay apple), and pawpaw.
This distribution will not only strengthen local food security but also support income generation and environmental sustainability. The fruit trees will complement ongoing sustainability trainings, helping communities build long-term resilience and healthier livelihoods.
Together, we continue to grow stronger, greener communities.
#KGA #LiveAndLearnSolomonIslands #Sustainability #Marau #Community #Partnership
Yesterday, Kastom Gaden Association proudly supported Live & Learn Solomon Islands through its Empower Project by supplying a variety of fruit tree nurseries to the Marau community in East Guadalcanal.
The fruit trees distributed included jackfruit, guava, cocoa, star fruit, inkori (June plum), sour sop, alite (tropical/beach almond), mango, ngali nut, cut nut, bush apple (Malay apple), and pawpaw.
This distribution will not only strengthen local food security but also support income generation and environmental sustainability. The fruit trees will complement ongoing sustainability trainings, helping communities build long-term resilience and healthier livelihoods.
Together, we continue to grow stronger, greener communities.
#KGA #LiveAndLearnSolomonIslands #Sustainability #Marau #Community #Partnership
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National Steering Committee meeting
Yesterday, Friday 13th, the National Steering Committee (NSC) convened at the MAL Research Office Conference Room (old Taiwanese Farm) for an important meeting focused on advancing rural women’s economic empowerment in Solomon Islands.
During the session, Project Lead Officers from Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) presented a comprehensive update on the Joint Programme on Accelerating Rural Women's Economic Empowerment of the Pacific Islands (JP RWEE) project.
The presentation highlighted:
- Key project activities implemented in 2025
- Progress and achievements across target communities
- Success stories and positive impacts on rural women
- Challenges encountered and lessons learned
- Strategic plans and priorities for 2026
The meeting provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and guidance from NSC members to strengthen implementation moving forward. It reaffirmed our shared commitment to empowering rural women, improving livelihoods, and promoting inclusive economic growth across the country.
We thank all NSC members and partners for their continued support and collaboration.
#JP_RWEE #RuralWomen #EconomicEmpowerment #Partnerships #KGA
Yesterday, Friday 13th, the National Steering Committee (NSC) convened at the MAL Research Office Conference Room (old Taiwanese Farm) for an important meeting focused on advancing rural women’s economic empowerment in Solomon Islands.
During the session, Project Lead Officers from Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) presented a comprehensive update on the Joint Programme on Accelerating Rural Women's Economic Empowerment of the Pacific Islands (JP RWEE) project.
The presentation highlighted:
- Key project activities implemented in 2025
- Progress and achievements across target communities
- Success stories and positive impacts on rural women
- Challenges encountered and lessons learned
- Strategic plans and priorities for 2026
The meeting provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and guidance from NSC members to strengthen implementation moving forward. It reaffirmed our shared commitment to empowering rural women, improving livelihoods, and promoting inclusive economic growth across the country.
We thank all NSC members and partners for their continued support and collaboration.
#JP_RWEE #RuralWomen #EconomicEmpowerment #Partnerships #KGA
Three-Day Workshop on Reducing Food Loss & Waste
February 11th-13th
We successfully were a part of a three-day workshop focused on tackling food loss and waste in the horticulture sector. The training brought together key stakeholders, SINU, MAL representatives, Vendor and Farmer reps, NGOs like Save the Children-Solomon Islands with KGA representatives actively participating in Day 1 and Day 2 sessions.
The workshop began with introductory topics on food loss and waste, setting the foundation for deeper discussions. Participants then engaged in practical sessions covering postharvest technologies, waste management practices, and innovative approaches to reducing losses across the value chain.
This important training was fully funded by Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in collaboration with Solomon Islands National University (SINU) through project CS/2020/191, “Adopting a gender-inclusive participatory approach to reducing horticultural food loss in the Pacific.” The project emphasizes inclusive participation and sustainable solutions to strengthen food systems in the Pacific. It was facilitated by Project leader Angelika Tugaga of Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS), Prof. JR Underhill of University of the Sunshine Coast Australia, a horticulture and food system specialist Suzanne Neave, Lawrence Atu a horticulture and crop science specialist at SINU and Patterson Giza the Head of the Agriculture department SINU.
Workshops were held:
February 11th & 13th: SINU FAFF Conference Room, Kukum Campus
February 12th: KGA Conference Room and Demo Site
We extend our sincere appreciation to all facilitators, participants, and partners for their commitment to reducing horticultural food loss and promoting sustainable practices.
Together, we are building stronger, more resilient food systems for our communities. #KGA #SINU #ACIAR #FoodLossandWaste
February 11th-13th
We successfully were a part of a three-day workshop focused on tackling food loss and waste in the horticulture sector. The training brought together key stakeholders, SINU, MAL representatives, Vendor and Farmer reps, NGOs like Save the Children-Solomon Islands with KGA representatives actively participating in Day 1 and Day 2 sessions.
The workshop began with introductory topics on food loss and waste, setting the foundation for deeper discussions. Participants then engaged in practical sessions covering postharvest technologies, waste management practices, and innovative approaches to reducing losses across the value chain.
This important training was fully funded by Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in collaboration with Solomon Islands National University (SINU) through project CS/2020/191, “Adopting a gender-inclusive participatory approach to reducing horticultural food loss in the Pacific.” The project emphasizes inclusive participation and sustainable solutions to strengthen food systems in the Pacific. It was facilitated by Project leader Angelika Tugaga of Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS), Prof. JR Underhill of University of the Sunshine Coast Australia, a horticulture and food system specialist Suzanne Neave, Lawrence Atu a horticulture and crop science specialist at SINU and Patterson Giza the Head of the Agriculture department SINU.
Workshops were held:
February 11th & 13th: SINU FAFF Conference Room, Kukum Campus
February 12th: KGA Conference Room and Demo Site
We extend our sincere appreciation to all facilitators, participants, and partners for their commitment to reducing horticultural food loss and promoting sustainable practices.
Together, we are building stronger, more resilient food systems for our communities. #KGA #SINU #ACIAR #FoodLossandWaste
Kastom Gaden Association partners with…
