Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems: Program summary: Solomon Islands

Abstract

The Program will achieve impact at multiple scales (household, community, province and national as well as amongst program countries) through pathways that include partnerships, knowledge sharing and learning. In Solomon Islands significant benefits will be achieved through direct engagement with partners, including communities in specific research sites in selected program hubs. Of a total population of just over half a million people, 75% of Solomon Islanders are subsistence-oriented small holder farmers and fishers. Most people live on the coastal margins of the almost 1000 island archipelago while those that live inland have little access to marine resources. More than 70% of women and 50% of men are engaged in subsistence agriculture while 50% of women and 90% of men are engaged in fishing activities. In this context aquatic agricultural systems provide an essential source of income, food and well-being for a large part of the population.