Sustainable farming practices and organic farms are improving the livelihoods of communities in rural Solomon Islands, explains Leigh Stewart.

With a history of civil conflict and political unrest, the Solomon Islands is facing an uncertain future. A crippled economy, food shortages and one of the largest youth populations in the region are challenges for any country to combat. Yet throughout the islands, communities are working together on small agricultural projects that are promising to have a positive impact on people's livelihoods.

Kastom Gaden, a local non-government group, has supported communities to develop sustainable farming practices and organic community gardens. Previous farming methods have been unsustainable, resulting in a reduction in the number of crops available. Add to this the increased pressure on food sources due to the rising population, and it becomes apparent that food security is a cause for concern.

Like many Solomon Islanders, Mary and Patrick Pole and their children were dependant on subsistence agriculture and intermittent sales of produce at the local market. As part of Kastom Gaden's youth program, their daughter received training in how to raise and care for chickens, which not only provide an additional source of food, but also generate regular income. From initial stock of just a few chickens, the family now has 13 adult chickens and 32 chicks. The additional income from the sale of the chickens has meant the family can now afford school fees for their youngest daughter Hilda.

Twenty-eight year-old Alfred Ehud, a small farmer from Silolo village, has also benefited from the program. Forced to flee his home and employment during the conflict in 1999, Alfred earned his livelihood from a small farm which produced very poor crops. Alfred undertook training in Agro Forestry with Kastom Gaden, where he learnt about growing seedlings, planting trees and soil restoration. Alfred's crops are growing larger and faster than ever before, and are in high demand at local markets. The program has inspired Alfred to teach other people in his community about these farming techniques. "I have a big force behind me now," he says.

Many of the people who received training from Kastom Gaden have used the money generated from increased farming to set up small businesses. Antonio Eke, 22, from the Koefou village, used the profits she made from pig rearing to invest in her own kerosene business. From this, she was able to increase her income and pay the school fees for her younger brothers and sisters. If things continue to go well, she hopes to one day buy a small local shop. She said the training taught her about savings and investments. "Before I didn't know how to manage money, but now I know - it is very helpful".

Other remote communities are looking forward to the opportunity to have Kastom Gaden provide training, particularly for their young people. With many young people unable to pay school fees or find employment, there is a growing number of young men leaving their communities for the capital Honiara, where they can become involved in crime and gangs. An elder of the Visale community, John, explains why he is interested in the project. "A few programs have happened but this is the first to come direct to the village, setting up pigs, chickens, agriculture and small business. I think this program is very good ... It gives the youth an opportunity to do something worthwhile."

The first stage of the Kastom Gaden project was funded and managed by the Australian government aid agency, AusAID. Oxfam Community Aid Abroad is now funding and working with Kastom Gaden to expand this project to other communities and districts in the Solomon Islands.