At Tearfund, my role focuses on programme effectiveness: helping partners plan for, measure and learn from the changes their work is making. As part of this work, I recently visited Solomon Islands to see programmes supported by Tearfund and to hear directly from participating communities.
Tearfund partners with two trusted local organisations in Solomon Islands. Ola Fou Solomons supports young people and farming households to strengthen climate-smart agriculture, enterprise, food security and community disaster preparedness. HOPE Trust works with high-risk rural communities to prevent human trafficking, exploitation and abuse, while empowering women and young people. This article shares what I observed about the changes taking place through their work.
A farmer showing the long beans in his farm.
Changing farming, improving lives
Koleasi, Kalekana, Binu and Tenatui
Farmers in these communities grow cocoa, peanuts, ginger, taro, cassava and vegetables. Many were already producing these crops before the project began, but Ola Fou Solomons has helped them adopt practices designed to increase yields, improve crop quality and strengthen resilience to climate shocks. These include community preparation, organic manure production, pest and disease management, raised garden beds, crop rotation and improved spacing. Crop rotation has been particularly well adopted in Binu.
Farmers told us that production and crop quality had improved, which they largely attributed to crop-rotation methods learnt through the programme.
Farmers showing their production (long beans) during our visit to their farm.
Some participants have become successful agro-entrepreneurs, known by Ola Fou Solomons as “champion farmers”. Increased production and income have contributed to visible improvements in household wellbeing. Several farmers, for example, have been able to replace traditional shelters with stronger, permanent homes. Their progress has also opened new opportunities, including connections with prospective buyers and invitations to exhibit at market days.
A farmer showing his current house (left) and new hourse being built (at the rear).
Building safer communities for everyone
Ao'o village
Ao’o is a beautiful village of traditional homes and local kastom (custom), set beside a river and surrounded by forested hills. Its isolation, however, brings significant challenges.
After a three-hour drive from Honiara, the road ends and the journey continues on foot for about an hour along narrow, steep tracks. On reaching the river, visitors discover there is no bridge. The only way across is to walk through the water.
Children make this crossing repeatedly on their journey to and from school because the river bends across the route. Heavy rain can quickly cause flooding and leave people stranded. Infrastructure in Ao’o remains very limited, making everyday access to education, services and markets difficult.
Despite these barriers, the community described important changes linked to the work of HOPE Trust and Ola Fou Solomons, supported by Tearfund. Residents noted that these are the only development organisations currently working in the village.
Our fieldwork team is crossing the river to go to Ao'o village.
One of the most significant developments has been the creation and formal launch of community by-laws led by HOPE Trust with Tearfund’s support. Communities began making small but meaningful changes even before the by-laws were finalised, as the participatory process helped residents envision a safer and more orderly community.
Developing the by-laws was complex and, in most communities, took around three years. The process was deliberately participatory and inclusive, giving residents and local leaders time to discuss priorities, build agreement and establish shared ownership.
Residents of Ao’o told me the results are already visible. The village is cleaner, pigs no longer roam freely, and people are more united around shared goals. Women reported sleeping more peacefully because drinking and loud music are prohibited after 10 pm. Girls said they feel safer knowing there is a written law and a community committee responsible for upholding it.
Tearfund staff (Jeevan) interviewing with the communities.
Several factors appear to have contributed to the by-laws’ effectiveness:
- Community members actively participated in developing them.
- Church and village leaders contributed and endorsed the final provisions.
- Government agencies and other stakeholders provided formal backing.
- The by-laws align with national legislation, including provisions for penalties.
- As written and formally agreed rules, they carry authority alongside local kastom.
What comes next?
With support from Tearfund and generous donors, our local partners will continue building on these gains. The next phase is about sustaining what works: strengthening local leadership and capability, improving systems and evidence, and ensuring communities can carry these changes forward for the long term.
Tearfund and HOPE Trust staff with community members in Ao'o village.
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