Horticulture

Horticulture

Our Horticulture Program

Overview

Focusing on the Guadalcanal horticulture market system, Strongim Bisnis has idenfied networks of farmers who produce fruit, vegetables and root crops. The produce is sold largely via the Honiara Central Market (HCM) either directly or through traders and market vendors.

Fresh fruit and vegetables play an important role in the diet and livelihood of many rural smallholder farming households as well as many households in the capital city.

Strongim Bisnis’ involvement considers the importance of the Honiara market to rural households in Guadalcanal. It also considers the large and growing presence of women in the market system; as well as the vital role of fresh fruit and vegetables in the nutrition and health of the population. There is great potential for growth in the fresh produce market due to rapid population increases in the greater Honiara area.

The National Development Strategy (2016-2035) recognises the role and contribution of horticulture markets in household income, creation of wealth and inclusive economic growth.
Expenditure on fruit and vegetables in greater Honiara alone is estimated to be around SBD 119 million per year. Most of this would pass through HCM with some subsequently re-sold in the informal roadside markets or supermarkets.
Trading six days per week, total sales of produce in Honiara are estimated to be around SBD 380,000 per day.
The total national annual expenditure on fresh produce of SBD 119 million exceeds the average annual exports of copra and cocoa at SBD 83 million and SBD 82 million respectively over the last five years.
Improve access to horticulture inputs.
Improve crop production.
Facilitate grower association establishment/strengthening.
Improve post-harvest handling and management.
Increase value adding and retailing function.
Support improvements for Honiara Central Market.
Decentralise produce marketing.
Improved market conditions through diversified produce, new selling methods; access to technology, information and improved services; upgrades to the quality and profitability of horticulture products, thereby increasing demand and supply.
Horticulture value chains offer better conditions and incentives for farmers through improved access to information, technology, inputs and a better business enabling environment.
Horticulture farmers use improved technology, inputs, production methods, post-harvest technologies, and market information, improving the supply of horticulture products, matched with increased demand.
Horticulture farmers increase productivity.
More jobs (for men, women, youth and PWD) created in horticulture value chains.
Ultimately, increased net income for households.