IFAD, Solomon Islands Launch $20M AIM-N Project to Boost Nutrition and Resilience

In a landmark move to combat food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate vulnerability, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of the Solomon Islands have signed a $20 million agreement to launch the Agricultural Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) project. The initiative, which spans six years, aims to directly benefit over 18,000 people across 65 rural communities in the provinces of Choiseul, Isabel, and Western, where subsistence agriculture is the dominant livelihood.

The project represents a strategic investment in transforming the country’s food systems by blending traditional farming knowledge with modern, nutrition-focused, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. The agreement was finalized yesterday and marks a milestone in IFAD’s deepening engagement in the Pacific region.

A Response to the Nutrition Crisis in the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands faces a dual nutritional burden. According to national health statistics:

• Nearly 33% of children under five are stunted, reflecting chronic undernutrition

• Over 50% of adults are overweight, driven by a growing dependency on low-cost, imported foods

The erosion of indigenous food systems, alongside limited market access and climate stress, has intensified health disparities in rural communities. The AIM-N project aims to reverse these trends by linking agricultural production directly to nutritional outcomes, economic opportunities, and climate resilience.

“This partnership with the Solomon Islands is a critical investment in the health, prosperity, and resilience of its rural people,” said Candra Samekto, IFAD Country Director for the Pacific Islands. “By linking nutrition directly to agricultural production and market access, AIM-N empowers small-scale farmers—particularly women and youth—not just to earn a better living, but to build a healthier future for their families and communities.”

Key Project Components

AIM-N adopts a holistic approach to food systems development and will include the following components:

• Nutrition Education and Behavior Change Communities will receive tailored nutrition education and support for dietary behavior change. The project will promote the consumption of locally produced, diverse, and nutritious foods through outreach campaigns and hands-on guidance.

• Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Kitchen Gardens The project will promote the cultivation of nutritious, climate-resilient crops through household kitchen gardens and community demonstration plots. This will also include technical support for sustainable farming techniques.

• Youth Engagement Through Schools Six secondary boarding schools will source food from local farmers to improve student diets. This initiative not only enhances nutrition for youth but also stimulates rural economies through local procurement.

• Commercial Linkages and Agribusiness Support AIM-N will help smallholder farmers establish market linkages with reliable buyers, improve product quality, and develop agribusiness skills. This will raise farm incomes while creating a more stable local food supply chain.

• Women’s Empowerment and Inclusive Finance Women’s groups will be eligible for competitive grants aimed at supporting labor-saving technologies and nutrition-focused ventures. Additionally, a line of credit managed by the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) will offer loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in agriculture.

Financing and Implementation Structure

The US$19.82 million project is financed through a multi-stakeholder partnership:

• US$6.1 million grant from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), administered by IFAD

• US$9.3 million loan from IFAD

• US$1.4 million GAFSP grant managed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

• US$820,000 from a private sector financial institution

• US$1.2 million in co-financing from the Solomon Islands Government and local communities

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) will serve as the lead implementing agency, ensuring the integration of AIM-N with national development policies and rural extension services.

Aligning with IFAD’s Strategy and Pacific Vision

AIM-N is informed by IFAD’s Strategy for Engagement in Small Island Developing States (2022–2027) and its approach to fragility, which seeks to empower the poorest and most vulnerable populations through long-term development and resilience-building.

Since its first engagement, IFAD has invested nearly US$21 million across five projects in the Solomon Islands, targeting poverty reduction, rural revitalization, and inclusive agricultural growth. This new project reflects IFAD’s evolving approach in fragile and island contexts, emphasizing the integration of indigenous knowledge, women’s leadership, and climate-smart strategies.

Looking Ahead: Building a Healthier and More Resilient Solomon Islands

By directly addressing the root causes of malnutrition and food insecurity, AIM-N is set to improve health outcomes, reduce rural poverty, and strengthen climate resilience in some of the country’s most remote and underserved communities. The project also serves as a model for development programming in Pacific island nations, where small-scale farming and community resilience are central to long-term prosperity.

The Solomon Islands government and IFAD envision a future where food systems are not only productive and sustainable but also inclusive and nourishing—helping the nation’s rural families lead healthier, more resilient lives.