LocationsEmpowering Farmers and Market Vendors Through Post-Harvest and Pest Control Training Strengthens Market Skills
June 3, 2025
UNDP Pacific Office Market for Change project staff, Jilgina Kimisi and the market vendors at the farm during the practical exercise for agriculture training.
Malaita Province, Solomon Islands - In a bid to enhance agricultural sustainability and economic opportunities for women, a four-day intensive training on Post-Harvesting and Pest and Disease Control was successfully conducted for market vendors in the Busurata and Gwailiki communities. The initiative, part of the Markets for Change (M4C) project, aimed to strengthen vendor capacities in value-added agricultural practices, ultimately contributing to increased productivity and improved livelihoods.
Currently in its second phase, the M4Cproject is a regional initiative dedicated to improving the socio-economic security of women market vendors across Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. As a responsible party, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) collaborates with government, private sectors and non -government agencies to promote gender equality and economic empowerment by enhancing access to financial literacy programs, social services, and agricultural training.
Recently, a four-day training took place at the Busurata community, located 20 kilometers inland from Auki Town in the Central Kwara’ae constituency. On the first day, participants learned about Post-Harvest Management, including the importance of proper handling and chemical usage to maintain food quality for the market. The second day focused on Pest and Disease Control, where farmers and vendors brought samples of diseased plants from their gardens for diagnosis. Experts not only identified common pests but also introduced locally available pesticides to help curb the spread of infections.
A total of 37 female market vendors, ranging from 24 to 69 years old, participated in a four-day Post-Harvesting and Plant Clinic training in Busurata and Gwailiki communities. The training, supported by the UNDP M4C project, sought to enhance agricultural sustainability, increase market productivity, and promote women's economic empowerment.
Post-Harvesting and Plant Clinic training.
All participants supply produce to Auki and Busurata markets, selling root crops, vegetables, fruits, cooked food, handicrafts, livestock, and juice. While market experience ranged from 1 to 34 years, only 22% practice farm record-keeping, and 43% had prior training from organizations like Save the Children, ANZ Money Minded, UN Women, MAL, Kastom Garden, and LASI. Annual incomes varied, with most earning between SBD 10,000 and 20,000, although some reported earnings as low as SBD 1,000 and as high as SBD 50,000.
"UNDP’s commitment is to leverage strategic partnerships to empower rural market vendors and farmers. Through the Peace Corps partnership, UNDP ensured the M4C Project’s integration of economic resilience with sustainability, ensuring that communities—especially women entrepreneurs—gain access to the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in an evolving market landscape." Patrick Tuimalealiifano, Inclusive Growth Team Leader,
The training covered post-harvest management, pest control, and crop disease prevention. In Busurata, farmers learned techniques to preserve the quality of their produce.. On the second day, participants diagnosed diseased plants from their gardens, learning to use locally sourced pesticides to mitigate crop damage.
Post-Harvesting and Plant Clinic training.
In Gwailiki, while continuous rainfall prevented garden visits, participants remained engaged, learning to identify and manage common crop pests and diseases using natural alternatives.
Despite weather disruptions, vendors expressed enthusiasm for the training, recognizing its role in improving farming techniques, increasing sales, and better financial management.
One Busurata vendor shared:
“Learning about post-harvest techniques opened my eyes to how proper handling can improve the quality of our produce. I can’t wait to apply these practices!
A Gwailiki farmer added:
“Seeing my diseased plants diagnosed was really helpful. Now I know how to spot problems early and use natural pesticides to protect my crops.”
A key recommendation from participants was the need for agricultural tools and seeds to effectively implement new techniques learned. Many also expressed a desire for continued training and long-term support.
Facilitated by two Agriculture Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, with support from the UNDP M4C team, most of which were found to pose only minor threats to food crops.
Small-scale farmers are already transforming their agricultural practices following the training. The knowledge gained is already making a difference for local vendors selling fresh produce at markets across the region.
For farmers like Rita Virginia, from Gwailiki, who cultivates slippery cabbage, Chinese cabbage, tomatoes, and peppers, the training proved eye-opening.
"Before the training, I had never heard of the term ‘post-harvest’ or understood its importance," Rita shared. "We used to handle our produce carelessly, causing damage that reduced our sales. Now, I know that treating our crops properly after harvesting directly impacts how much we sell at the market."
Post-Harvesting and Plant Clinic training.
One major lesson was the importance of preventing bruising and cuts during transport. Improved packaging methods are now helping farmers deliver fresher produce, increasing demand and profitability.
In addition, the training introduced organic pest control methods. Rita added:
"I never knew it was possible to control infestations without always relying on chemicals. Now, I can use organic methods that keep my crops healthy and safe for consumption."
The newfound confidence among farmers is expected to have a lasting impact, improving both crop yield and overall quality. With better practices in place, vendors at Auki Market and Busurata Market are already noticing the difference, with fresher, more durable produce available for customers.
As farmers continue to apply these lessons, their commitment to sustainable agriculture will not only benefit their businesses but also contribute to healthier food systems across the region. The post-harvest and plant clinic training has empowered them to embrace knowledge that enhances both livelihoods and local food security.
Through partnerships with Auki Market Vendors Association and Auki Town Council, the training program was successfully implemented, and equipped 37 fresh food vendors with knowledge in Vegetable Management, Plant Health Clinic, soil management, and Fertilizer application.
This initiative highlights the MC4 project's commitment to promoting economic resilience and sustainable practices among women market vendors, ultimately contributing to food security and financial stability for rural communities.
The success of this training underscores the importance of continued investment in agricultural education to build a mor resilient and sustainable future for markets in the Malaita Province.
Markets for Change (M4C) is a regional initiative aimed at improving the economic security and working conditions of women market vendors in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. M4C focuses on strengthening market infrastructure, vendor capacity, and gender equality to create more sustainable and inclusive marketplaces.
The M4C project is implemented by UN Women in partnership with UNDP and with support from the Government of Australia.
For more information, please contact:
Jilgina Kimisi, Markets for Change Project Associate, Solomon Islands | (E) jilgina.kimisi@undp.org or Vilisi Veibataki, Markets for Change Project Manager, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | vilisi.veibataki@undp.org | +679 3227701
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