A new project in the Choiseul province of the Solomon Islands will see the establishment of community nurseries, agroforestry and small livestock demonstration farms, and the introduction of climate-ready crops which are more tolerant to drought, water-logging and salinity.

Pacific Islands News Association reports that the measures are an adaptation strategy for climate change and address land-based food security issues in the country.

Choiseul province, like many other parts of the Pacific is experiencing increased weather variability linked to climate change, including more droughts and more floods, affecting villagers’ ability to grow food crops.

Through the Choiseul Integrated Climate Change Adaptation Programme (CHICCAP) project, community members will be trained in plant propagation techniques, nursery management and farming practices. Water catchment, land use and forestry management plans will also be developed.

CHICCAP aims to strengthen communities’ ability to adapt to climate change and recover from natural disasters by improving food security and the resilience of natural ecosystems.

The project is being coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and funded by the United States Agency for International Development. The SPC has established many partnerships and projects that address climate change in sectors ranging from agriculture and fisheries to trade and transport.

Read the full story: Drought then flood – food security concerns in Solomon Islands Choiseul Province