Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) participated in a Disability Inclusive Development Dialogue on Friday, 15 August 2025. The session aimed to strengthen disability mainstreaming within the agriculture sector.
This dialogue was part of an ongoing initiative with government ministries that began in August 2024. The session with MAL marked the final ministry engagement under this initiative, which has been facilitated by the National Rehabilitation and Disability Division (NRDD) of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), the government’s disability focal point, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Participants from MAL expressed their appreciation for the presentation, noting that it significantly broadened their understanding of disability-inclusive development. In particular, it highlighted how the Solomon Islands National Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2023–2031 (SINDID Policy) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) can be practically translated into their work.
The Disability Inclusive Development agenda promotes the concept that development means ensuring access to basic needs and services. Conversely, lack of access equates to poverty. This concept of poverty is evident across many ministries. Thus, the dialogue sessions have aimed to promote inclusivity in national development efforts by addressing attitudinal, institutional, environmental, and communication barriers that hinder equal and equitable service delivery.
During the discussion, Mr. Andrew Melanolu, Director of the Extension Division at MAL, reflected on the definitions of disability and poverty presented in the SINDID Policy. He remarked that, in many ways, our population faces an “intellectual disability” in terms of mindset—highlighting how limited access to information contributes to poor decision-making. He illustrated this point with a practical example: the widespread habit of improper rubbish disposal, which he attributed to a lack of awareness and understanding.
Ms. Frances Vahimana, Human Resources Manageress, speaking on behalf of the MAL Executive and officers, extended sincere thanks for the session. She described the presentation as comprehensive and transformative, noting that it had reshaped their perception of disability.
Mr. Elwin Taloimatakwa, Disability and Program Coordinator at MHMS, responded by thanking the MAL Executive, HR Manageress, and officers for their strong participation and coordination in hosting the session.
Mr. Taloimatakwa emphasized that the next step following the dialogue is for each ministry to appoint a Disability Focal Point at the Deputy Secretary level. The National Rehabilitation and Disability Division, through MHMS, will then work to establish the National Disability Inclusive Advisory and Coordination Committee (NDIACC). This committee will serve as the highest-level advisory and decision-making body responsible for coordinating the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the SINDID Policy and the UNCRPD.
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