Evaluations to Measure Growth 

Pre-training evaluations revealed that most participants entered with limited or no knowledge in value addition and food processing. Few had ever trained others, and many lacked confidence. 

By the end of the workshop, participants feedback revealed the following:
•    All participants rated their knowledge as “good” or “very good”
•    Each could name and demonstrate multiple techniques confidently
•    Nearly all described themselves as “prepared” or “very prepared” to lead training in their own communities.

This measurable shift in capacity is testament to the workshop’s progressive structure—starting with theory and quickly moving into real-world practice.

The Value Adding ToT workshop yielded tangible, high-impact results across market vendor associations in Munda, Gizo, Auki, and Honiara. Participants are now confidently positioned to train others, generating ripple effects across both rural and urban marketplaces. Products developed during the training are now safer, professionally packaged, and more appealing—enhancing market competitiveness and increasing vendor income. The strengthened collaboration among market associations has fostered a more future-focused, resilient network of local entrepreneurs. Donor investment has thus translated into grassroots leadership, community-level empowerment, and scalable sustainability—demonstrating how targeted support can drive lasting economic transformation from the ground up.

Voices of Change

Participants shared powerful testimonies highlighting the training’s impact:

Trainer, Ms Karina, from Vanuatu was grateful for this opportunity. “I sincerely thank DFAT for funding the Markets for Change (M4C) project, and UNDP for enabling my travel from Vanuatu to facilitate this transformative Value Adding Training of Trainers for market vendor associations in Munda, Gizo, Auki, and Honiara. The women market vendors demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment over the four days, each embracing new techniques and built practical, market-ready skills. With the support materials in hand and five representatives from each association, they are now equipped to lead future trainings and apply what they have learned—not only to uplift others, but to develop their own value-added products and ventures. I look forward to seeing your creations proudly displayed in your markets, reflecting shared knowledge, local entrepreneurship, and community resilience.”

“My name is Amoqula Daga, and I would like to sincerely thank UNDP for providing this transformative training, and DFAT for funding the Markets for Change (M4C) project that made it possible for us—members of the Market Vendors Association—to gain practical value-adding skills over the past four days. The support, and the opportunity to learn directly from Karina, who travelled from Vanuatu to share her expertise, means so much to us. We now know how to turn often-wasted produce like cassava, ginger, coconut, and fruits into jams, chutneys, flour, chips, cordials, and virgin coconut oil—skills that will help reduce waste and boost our livelihoods. The hands-on experience, easy-to-follow recipes, and practical knowledge we received will empower us not only to improve our own businesses but to confidently teach our fellow vendors. Thank you again for believing in us and helping make meaningful change possible in our markets.”

Grace Tavisi from the Central Islands Province mentioned that this is first time attending a Value Adding Training of Trainers (TOT), delivering this practical, hands-on Value Adding Training of Trainers. "Over four days, we gained vital skills in food safety, waste reduction, and product transformation—turning cassava, ginger, coconut, and pineapple into jam, flour, cordial, and tea. For many of us, like myself and Grace from Honiara, this was our first time experiencing such deeply engaging training. Karina’s step-by-step guidance from Vanuatu made complex processes simple and achievable, building our confidence to become trainers and create market-ready products that extend shelf life and generate income. This training is not only helping us grow as entrepreneurs—it’s empowering us to uplift fellow vendors in our communities."