More and more families are dependent on imported goods, a shift from usual practice of reliance on gardening. With increased access to money, families consume rice, tinned tuna, noodles and other imported goods as staple food.
Information gathered at Patmos and Buni health posts highlighted impacts of this deteriorating healthy diet with increases in hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases among people between 45 - 70 years old. It was noted that around 15 people are currently diagnoses with hypertension and diabetes.
Having a sup sup garden alone will not guarantee families eating a balanced diet. However, promoting the nutritional values of these foods should contribute to making informed decisions.
R ESEARCH F INDINGS – D AILY EXPERIENCES OF RURAL R OVIANA V ONAVONA
PEOPLE ? A
GRICULTUREG
ARDENINGP
RACTICES& S
TATUSAgricultural practices includes subsistence shifting cultivation (slash and burn), clearing of large areas of bush for cash cropping. The process of gardening practices includes, choosing patches of bush to brushed and cut down trees. The trees and buses are later burned and debris's cleared. Clearing, hoeing mounts and planting of crops, followed by weeding and waiting for harvest were main activities. The farming process is simple and there is lack of proper soil management and how to improve soil practices.
As practiced elsewhere in the Solomon Islands, there was no attention to improving soil through mulching or composting practices; the fallow periods are shorter up to 24 months compare to well documented practices of up to 10 - 15 years (Woodley 2002, Ministry of Environment Conservation and Meteorology 2008). Farmers continuously worked the same area for gardening in decades. This has contributed to low soil fertility, increase erosion of top soil and low soil moisture which is particularly important during dry conditions. As noted in the state of environment report (Ministry of Environment Conservation and Meteorology 2008), accessible soil were exposed to fertility and micronutrient deficiency, reducing yield production. Soil conservation practices and improving soil health through organic matter (mulching and compost) will help to improve soil and plant growth.
Chapter 7 Horticulture & agroforestry vulnerability assessment
It was interesting to note that most middle age men and women do not spend enough time in agricultural activities; the older population spends most time cultivating the land. Women are mostly involved in large proportion of the work in the gardens, though sometimes have limited farming knowledge and skills.
G
ARDENC
ROPSA significant issue to note is the narrow diversity of root crops and vegetables planted in some areas. There is a significant higher turnover of cultivars or crops with no significant stocking of cultivars or crops for future use. Gardens have limited cultivars or crop variety with cassava or potato dominating areas of gardens. It was noted that cultivars or crops were preserved (stocked) once there is higher production (yield in return), shorter period to harvesting, ability to withstand certain condition and taste factor, see Table 42 for frequency of planting crops in gardens.
Few important crops/cultivars that can better adapted to 'taem blo hangere' (hungry periods), were left unattended, and usually not planted frequently.
There is lack of recognition of destructive diseases, methods to reduce pest attacks or to improve yield.
Table 42 Annual food planting frequency, sometimes and rarely planted – Roviana Vonavona region.
Food crop 'frequently' planted (monthly)
Food crop 'sometimes' planted (once every six month)
Cabbage African /Vanuatu yam
Slippery cabbage Pumpkin Chilli pepper
Kakake, lokete and kalovera were identified as disaster preparedness crops that can produce yield in all weather conditions. Important food that were continuously overlooked
F
ARMINGT
ECHNOLOGYFarming technology still remains an important issue with simple tools such as a hoe, mattocks, axe and bush knives common among families. There is a higher proportion of involvement of older people in the garden activity. Thriving traditional farming practices and simple technologies were observed as common practice. Sometimes traditional farming practice may hinder learning and using improved and helpful gardening practices that can improve farming styles, methodology and eventually improved yield production.
Chapter 7
Building social and ecological resilience to climate change in Roviana, Solomon Islands
Table 43 Annual crop yield production – monthly details of planting and harvesting periods, more details in annex 5 – Crop diversity and seasonal calendar. weather (rain). June rain and sun, July to august is usually hot sun and windy times of the year
August to late October food production is within the median (not too good or too bad). Food production is in between good yield and low yield productions.
Sunny/rainy and strong windy periods
*- participants highlighted that social celebrations and holidays during the Christmas period may have contributed to low crop production in January to march period.
O
THER FARMING OPTIONSThe under-utilization of some areas like swampy grounds should be refocused as such areas are useful to plant giant taro, swamp taro (kakake/kakama) and other crops that can grow in the swampy areas such as sweet fern (Stenochlaena Palustris). Planting of wild growing vegetable such as Lege (Gnetum gnemon) and Kemanao-sand paper (Ficus Copiosa and Ficus Wassa) to increase production and availability were currently low and should be encouraged. During discussions, it was highlighted that venturing into new forested areas could help in improving soil and farming practices.
N
ATURALA
SSETS OFR
OVIANAV
ONAVONAR
EGIONThe Roviana Vonavona region is highly resourceful with marine, coastal, land and forestry assets. Resources owners or inhabitants of the region enjoy the use of natural resources either through subsistence farming (agro forestry) or through wild harvest of natural resources. Families within each community were both farmers and skilled fishermen. Although some families may concentrate mostly on either farming or fishing and other skilled jobs as a means of livelihood and income generation for example carving/weaving or paid jobs.
L
ANDU
SETopographical settings both on the mainland and islands have different characters and the soil on the barrier islands of Vonavona and Roviana lagoon are largely red clay, mixed with small rocks. The barrier islands were raised coral reefs with limestone and thin top layer of fertile soil. Gardening was done on barrier islands or in coastal areas of the main island of New Georgia. There was no inland farming, most forest inland were either logged or still in tack. Although some part of the inland of South New Georgia and Munda have good soil structures which are potentially good for agricultural activities.
In Roviana lagoon, especially on the barrier Islands the fallow period is decreasing to less than twenty–four months. It was noticed that soil fertility is declining. Baraulu and Vonavona farmers are heavily practicing shifting cultivation and so it is noticeable that there are areas that are mostly covered by small bushes or shrubs. The mainland of New Georgia is still intact with thick bushes although there is a presence of logging in many parts of the mainland.
Chapter 7 Horticulture & agroforestry vulnerability assessment
L
AND QUALITYIt is important to note that these areas were once a battle field during the Second World War and most of the top soil was removed to make roads and landing areas for warships and planes. Thus, there is a lot of coral and limestone especially in the Munda area which would require land management skills to regenerate the soil.
International companies logged the main land of New Georgia with intensive road systems breaking through land blocks and gardens. Within the Roviana Vonavona lagoon, logging has been intensively carried out. In some cases, land degradation and soil erosion has been visibly observed destroying fertile top soil. It was also observed in the lagoon areas of Roviana that sedimentation in the lagoon exists from logging practices, threatening coastal forests and marine ecosystems.
F
ORESTC
OVERC
OASTAL FOREST STATUS-
COASTAL STRAND OR BEACH FORESTThe coastal vegetation or beach flora in the two lagoons is very similar in structure and composition as they are next to each other and closely connected. Specific variations of this forest type were noted to be occurring in different habitats and locations. Typical sites with these examples are: along mouths of rivers and streams, disturbed fallow areas along coast lines, wetlands and areas that are invaded and dominated by certain species of plants.
Most mangrove sites are still intact and undisturbed. However, rapid population and competing social and economic needs from the communities is a great concern. There is progressive depletion of mangrove areas caused by new settlement and expansion of existing villages. Clearance for plantation and gardens, log points or log landing sites for logging activities, Fuel (petrol) sheds and associated wharves are causing disturbances to coastal forest systems.
Mangroves important role in both lagoons sustained and support the livelihoods of many generations.
Coastal forest especially mangroves are vulnerable to man-made and natural destruction. The 2007 April tsunami exhibits the extent to which natural processes impacted natural ecosystems. The mangrove ecosystem with particularly the Bruguiera spp. and Rhizophora spp. within the areas between Kindu, Banga Island and Noro in New Georgia were yet to fully recover.
P
LANT DISTRIBUTIONThe following plants are commonly distributed (annex 6 details flora checklist) along the coasts and shorelines of the numerous islets within the lagoons : Barringtonia asiatica, Cocos nucifera, Cerbera manghas, Tournefortia argentea, Premna corymbosa, Vitex trifolia, Timonius timon, Guettarda speciosa, Cordia subcordata, Casuarina equisetifolia, Calophyllum inophyllum, Wollastonia biflora, Thespesia populnea, Terminalia catappa, Scaevola taccada, Pandanus spp., Neisosperma oppositifolium, Morinda citrifolia, Inocarpus fagifer, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Hernandia nymphaeifolia.
Other herbaceous coastal flora that co-existed includes Vigna marina (beach bean), Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort or asiatic pennywort), Cassytha filiformis (cassytha), Tacca leontopetaloides (polynesian arrowroot), Crinum asiaticum (Crinum or spider lily) and Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory).
The rapid population growth exerted pressure on land and coastal forest resources. This appears to be widespread in the lagoons. Coastal vegetation was cut to give way for new settlements, coconut
plantations, gardens, log landing sites. These were major reasons for the habitual destruction of the beach forests throughout the two lagoons.
Chapter 7
Building social and ecological resilience to climate change in Roviana, Solomon Islands
The conservation efforts of the Roviana Conservation Foundation (RCF) in establishing Protected Areas in selected sites reduces further stripping of coastal forested areas. Based on the general reconnaissance carried out, the status of the coastal forests in both lagoons are highly vulnerable to natural and ecological changes, social and economic development activities, cultural related demands and other competing needs by community members to sustain their livelihoods.
Apart from the above economical uses, mangroves and coastal vegetation provide “free” ecological services, in that they act as wind breakers, mitigate floods, cyclones and strong winds, tsunami (tidal waves), breeding ground and safe haven for fish and other marine resources, protect and stabilize coastlines.
C
ASH TREESCommunities were involved in tree planting (teak, eucalyptus etc) with Bulelavata trialed oil palm as a community project. Betel nut is a common crop across all communities, as it is a cultural delicacy and an income earning crop. The shift from subsistence farming to small holders' cash cropping has resulted in the use of the best garden sites to plant teak, coconut, cocoa, betel nut or palm oil.
Inland of the New Georgia group of Islands were covered with forest either virgin or grow backs after logging. Smaller barriers Islands were exposed after years of farming on the land.
Figure 127 Typical coastal forest within Roviana Vonavona lagoon (left); exposed island of Nusa Roviana from gardening activities (right).
D
OMINANT CROPPING AND CROP DIVERSITY IDENTIFICATIONAgro forestry systems in the research region vary from community to community though fruit trees and crops planted in garden are same. During the research, information gathered showed that important cropping for disaster periods were neglected or overlooked. Focus is more on crops that can easily planted or have more yield production in shorter period of time.
There are typical examples of different patterns, designs and purposes of traditional and modern agro-forestry being implemented in all communities. Food security and family welfare was prioritized in most villages as observed during the field trips. Combination of root and vegetable crops were common with a few fruit and nut trees.
Chapter 7 Horticulture & agroforestry vulnerability assessment
Arboriculture has been adopted and passed over to succeeding generations. Fruit and nut trees are common in villages and plantations as well. Soil fertility was claim to resulted in very low crop yields in some villages, poor food production and less garden food on the table.