BY JOY OFASIA
In the rural communities of North Malaita, a group of young people is helping farmers change the way they see agriculture. Through taro farming, the Besi Youth Association is creating new opportunities for families while encouraging youths to build a better future from the land.
The association’s taro farming project was created under its youth economic empowerment program after leaders saw the growing need for sustainable income opportunities in rural areas. Since taro is already one of the main crops grown in North Malaita, the association believed farmers could benefit more if they worked together in a more organized and commercial system.
Co-founder and Chairperson of the Besi Youth Association, Abel Wanesuia, said taro remains one of the most important traditional crops in the region because it supports families every day through food, culture, and income.
He explained that the association saw strong business potential for taro in local urban markets and even export markets. This inspired the group to use agriculture as a practical way to reduce unemployment among youths and rural families.
“Our aim is to improve household incomes, strengthen food security, empower youths, and promote sustainable agriculture,” Mr Wanesuia said.
The project encourages rural communities to see farming not only as a way to survive but also as a serious business opportunity that can support long-term development.
Through the project, farmers are connected through a collective farming approach. The association helps organize awareness programs, coordinate planting schedules, and create market links for farmers to sell their produce more effectively.
For many young people, the project is also helping them move away from depending only on informal income sources and instead focus on productive work.
“Treatim farm osem office waka na, go lo 8am to 5pm,” Mr Wanesuia said.
His message is simple — farming should be treated like a professional job, with discipline, commitment, and daily effort.
According to the association, one of the biggest changes happening through the project is not only in the farms but also in the minds of farmers themselves.
“Every good or bad thing begin in the mind,” the chairperson said.
Farmers who once planted only for family consumption are now becoming more organized and business-minded. Many are improving the way they manage their farms and are learning how commercial agriculture can create long-term benefits for their families.
The project has also strengthened cooperation among farmers and nearby communities. Participants currently include the Besi Youth Farm, Besi Church Estate Farm, Hote farmers, and nearly 20 individual farmers around the Besi Village area. Interest in the project continues to grow as more rural farmers see the benefits of commercial taro farming.
For many families, the impact is already visible.
Income earned from taro sales is helping parents pay school fees, transport costs, food expenses, church contributions, and other household needs. Some families are also using their earnings to build homes and invest in their future.
Despite the positive progress, the association still faces many challenges.
Mr Wanesuia said mindset remains one of the biggest barriers, as some people still do not fully believe agriculture can provide long-term economic opportunities. Other challenges include limited funding, transportation problems, lack of farming tools, climate-related difficulties, and limited access to technical support and agricultural infrastructure.
However, the association remains hopeful about the future.
Plans are already underway to expand taro production into more communities, strengthen farmer networks, and improve market access for rural farmers. The association also hopes to grow the initiative into a wider rural economic empowerment program for both youths and farmers across North Malaita.
Mr Wanesuia said the long-term vision is to build a strong and self-reliant agriculture sector that creates jobs, improves food security, and supports better livelihoods for rural communities.
“As a farmer you need to create your own story, meaning own products that fit the strength of the soil,” he said.
“Then investors will be attracted once it grows and brings benefits to the people.”
He believes young people should never underestimate the value of agriculture.
“Agriculture is more than just farming; it is a foundation for economic independence and community development,” Mr Wanesuia said.
“Young people should not underestimate the value of agriculture because it has the potential to create jobs, reduce poverty, and build a better future for rural communities.”
The Besi Youth Association is helping rural communities in North Malaita improve their lives through a taro farming project aimed at creating income opportunities and empowering young people.
The project was established under the association’s youth economic empowerment program after leaders recognized the need for sustainable income sources in rural communities. Since taro is already widely grown in North Malaita, the association saw the opportunity to organize farmers into a more commercial farming system.
The project encourages farmers to see agriculture not only as subsistence farming but also as a serious business opportunity that can support long-term community development.
Through a collective farming approach, the association helps connect farmers, organize awareness programs, coordinate planting schedules, and improve market access for taro sales.
“Treatim farm osem office waka na, go lo 8am to 5pm,” Mr Wanesuia said, encouraging farmers to treat agriculture like a professional job.
He said one of the biggest changes happening through the project is the shift in mindset among farmers.
“Every good or bad thing begin in the mind,” he added.
Farmers involved in the project are becoming more organized and improving their farm management practices. Participation in the initiative continues to grow and now includes the Besi Youth Farm, Besi Church Estate Farm, Hote farmers, and nearly 20 individual farmers around Besi Village.
Income from taro sales is already helping families pay for school fees, food, transport, church contributions, and other household needs. Some families are also using the money to build homes and invest in their future.
