BY DESMOND RAHE
Thirteen self-help groups of people with disabilities on Savo Island have received piggery and poultry farming projects to support their livelihoods, thanks to a joint effort by the National Disability Forum of Solomon Islands (NDFSI) and partner organizations.
The official handover took place in Kaoqele Village, marking a historic first for many in the community.
Funded by the Australian Government through the UN Women’s Resilience to Disaster (WRD) Program, the initiative was implemented by the Disability People’s Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI) between 2024 and 2025.
The goal of the project is to help vulnerable groups—including women and people with disabilities—build resilience to disasters and improve income through farming.
“Today marks the official handover of the piggery and chicken projects here in Savo Island for people with disabilities,” said Hon. Percival Vaga’a, Deputy Premier of Central Province, during the ceremony. “It’s a big achievement, and I thank the National Disability Forum and agriculture divisions from Honiara and Tulagi for their great work.”
The 13 projects span several villages across the island and include a mix of piggery and chicken farming initiatives such as the Panueli chicken project, Pokilo piggery project, and Kaogele piggery project, among others.
Each group has been provided with livestock, farming houses, and basic training to help manage the projects sustainably.
Representing the recipients, Wendy Ngina, a representative from the Kaoqele community, spoke at the handover ceremony expressed deep gratitude during the ceremony.
“I was very happy to witness the handover ceremony,” she said. “It’s the first time for our community to receive a project like this. It will really help us improve our lives and earn an income.”
The event brought together government officials, local leaders, and community members, many of whom expressed hope that this project would inspire more inclusive development in rural Solomon Islands.
The ceremony ended with a ribbon-cutting and site visits to the newly built piggery and chicken houses.
