POLFN: An organic learning farm network to build the climate resilience of smallholder producers in the Pacific

© Kiwa Initiative

The Farmer Field Schools (FFS) training at the Mudrenicagi Organic Learning Farm came to a close on 18 July, in a spirit of sharing and gratitude. Over two weeks, fifteen participants from Viti Levu and Vanua Levu—including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Waterways, and GIZ Pacific—took part in an immersive training focused on sustainable farming practices.

We share here the testimonial of one of the participants, Viliame Gaso Jnr:
“We arrived as strangers, but through shared experiences, deep conversations, and hands-on learning, we forged bonds that now feel like family. As the training ended, many of us found ourselves wishing it could continue for another two weeks.
Our final day, 18th July 2025, was a celebration of everything we’ve learned and experienced. We had our Certificate Presentation Ceremony, followed by a delicious farewell lunch that brought laughter and reflection.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the owner of Mudrenicagi Organic Learning Farm for being such a warm and generous host. To the incredible women who lovingly prepared our meals each day—vinaka vakalevu vei kemudou na Turaga kei na Marama dreus Vakabibi veirau na marama Tau mai Kadavu.

A special thank you goes to the Pacific-Community-SPC and the Kiwa Initiative for sponsoring this impactful training and supporting such an important step toward sustainable agriculture in Fiji.

What made this training truly special was the presence of some of Fiji’s most respected farmers:

• Marama Vanilla from Taveuni
• Teitei Taveuni
• Mr. Isei Tudreu, former CEO of Airports Fiji Ltd, now a farmer in Sabeto, Nadi

…alongside passionate farmers from all across the country.
Though we were only 15 participants, the knowledge, experience, and unity we shared will have ripple effects in our communities for years to come.
To our brilliant facilitators from Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines—thank you for your wisdom, patience, and dedication. Your insights have inspired us all.
As we return to our farms and clusters, we go not just as trained facilitators, but as champions of change—ready to implement what we’ve learned and share it with others.
Vinaka vakalevu, Mudrenicagi. Vinaka vakalevu, Fiji.Vinavalevu djina SPC TEAM Tau Emosi Cagi ,Tau Vilimaina Tamata Balenaivalu vata kei marama dreus Mafi Lavenia Kemudou tuga yacova noda sota ka tarava."

© SPC

Arthur and Karen Mills have created an organic learning farm centre under the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) Project implemented by the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community at the Pacific Community (SPC).

In this article, Arthur explains how he used to suffer from weight gain, pre-diabetes, and rising blood pressure. Since he radically changed his nutrition habits and lifestyle thanks to the organic foods on the Mudrenicagi organic farm in 2014, Arthur and his partner Karen attest to the amazing health benefits of organic foods.

Learn more: https://urlz.fr/qpmQ

© Poetcom

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites Expressions of Interest from small-holder farmers in Fiji, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Tonga to join the cohort of First Circle Farmers under the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) Project.

The objective is to work with 100 farmers in Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and 40 farmers in Nauru. Local farmers can apply before October, 30th 2023.

Click the link below for more information :

https://spc.int/procurement/tenders/expression-of-interest-for-farmers-to-participate-in-the-organic-learning-farms?fbclid=IwAR3P_exWzbqE4B3i90pz3xZVzwMmn9yhLmHhfK5_0lpxYQJ_AI4vg_HlSyM

© POETCOM

The Kiwa Initiative #POLFN project is setting up Organic Learning Farm Centres in the #Pacific, to nurture the best #organic and #agroecological practices, foster #knowledge sharing, celebrate success stories, and share valuable planting materials.

Are you ready to join?
If you are a small-holder #farmer in the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Nauru, or Tonga, that is your moment!
If you're passionate about #sustainable farming and want to be part of this exciting project, we invite you to submit an Expression of Interest #EOI.

This is your opportunity to join a community of forward-thinking farmers, learn from the best, and contribute to the prosperity of your country. 🌾
Don't miss out on this fantastic chance to make a real impact on your farming practices. Submit your EOI forms and supporting documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
📅 Deadline : October 30th, 2023

Let’s spread the word and please, share this post far and wide across your networks. Together, we can create a brighter future for Pacific agriculture.

© Kiwa Initiative

This Mother Earth Day the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network POLFN in Fiji, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Tonga urge farmers in the Pacific to be mindful of what they put into their soil.

Organic farming practices discourage burning and promote the return of plant residues to the soil, which helps to feed soil organisms and create Soil Organic Matter (SOM). SOM increases the soil's capacity to store nutrients and improves soil physical properties such as structure, permeability, moisture holding and drainage, and aeration, which are important for plant growth.

Feeding activities of larger soil organisms such as earthworms help to re-distribute organic residues in the soil through their channelling activities as well as increase aeration and drainage through their burrowing activities.Organic farming practices such as retaining residues, just like in a natural forest, helps to activate soil organisms and their interactions, which enhance soil processes that maintain or restore soil productivity. 

© SPC

The farmers learned more about organic farming concepts and methodologies, with both theoretical lessons and practical experience in the farm's fields.

The objectives of this training course are to
- Familiarize smallholders with the concept and implementation of organic farming and agroecology,
- Help them convert their farms to organic practices.

Participating farmers are the winners of a call for expressions of interest published at the end of 2023 throughout Fiji.
The training took place simultaneously at Navuso Organic Learning Farm Centre in Viti Levu, and at Mudrenicagi, in Fiji's Bua province.
According to Mr. Emosi Cagi, National Coordinator of the POLFN project in Fiji: “Navuso Organic Learning Farm Centre is not just training farmers, it is also empowering them to choose organic for the better health of our soil and vanua, for the well-being of our families and communities.”

➡️Find out more about the regional kiwa POLFN project

➡️Read more about this news update on a training on agroecology and organic agriculture in the Pacific

© Poetcom

In Tonga, the team of the Kiwa regional #POLFN project has been conducting #assessments and surveys to analyze the specific needs of local farmers in the new learning farm centers.

Understanding their contexts, capacities, and natural loads increases the quality and relevance of learning processes and material.

Three assessments were conducted to measure the most significant criteria, such as:

• #TAPE Tool for Agroecological Performance Evaluation
• Socioeconomic components
• Farm carbon footprint and land utilization

This insightful data promotes #agricultural #sustainability and #farmer #resilience.

Keep an eye out! On Tuesday, August 8th, Tonga's learning farm centers will be launched.

The assessments were enabled thanks to a close collaboration between POETCom, The Tongan Government, the Tonga National Youth Congress and the Kiwa Initiative.

To learn more, watch the video: https://lnkd.in/g3tS-Z8x

© Kiwa Initiative

From vision to harvest in just two years ! The Draubuta Youth Cluster, operating as Highland Youth Cooperative Limited in the highlands of Navosa, Fiji, has established a Pilot Organic Farm that stands as a model for youth-led, community-driven agriculture across the Pacific.

Founded in December 2024 following organic agriculture training through the Kiwa Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) project, this initiative demonstrates how investment in youth capacity building, combined with technical training and regional networks, can deliver tangible, sustainable outcomes at the community level. As climate pressures mount across Pacific Island nations, initiatives like the Draubuta Youth Cluster show that Nature-based Solutions and food sovereignty can go hand in hand.

© Emosi Cagi - Gold FM Fiji

The POLFN project is making significant strides in promoting organic farming across #Tonga, #Fiji, the #Solomon Islands, and #Nauru.

Emosi Cagi, POLFN's country coordinator in Fiji, recently shared insights on Gold Fiji FM about the project's four major components:

1. Establishing organic learning farms in the #Pacific
2. Recruiting 100 farmers to adopt #organic farming methodologies
3. Developing #market mechanisms to bridge agricultural production and business
4. Facilitating knowledge #exchange through farmer-to-farmer reviews

Market access remains a #challenge for Fijian farmers transitioning to organic farming. By leveraging the POLFN farming network, #farmers gain consistency and reliability in production, crucial for establishing long-term #business relationships.

Currently, 75 members, including 31 farms in Fiji, are registered with the POETcom network across the Pacific region.

Organic farming not only revitalizes #traditional #practices but also fosters #healthier #environments and #communities by eliminating the use of pesticides and insecticides.

📺 Watch Emosi Cagi's insightful interview here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=v7YzmG&ref=watch_permalink&v=738265524911112

© SPC

The Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN), launched its very first Organic Learning Farms Centres in Fiji, with two farms demonstrations projects:

• the Mudrenicagi Farm in Bua Province,
• the Navuso Farm in the Rewa Province.

How will these learning centres help Pacific farmers ?

The benefits of organic and agroecological methods in the context of the Pacific will be explained with concrete advices and new techniques. The centers will also illustrate the benefits and co-benefits of these practices in order to improve soil and water quality, to protect biodiversity, and to avoid artificial fertilizers.

These centers will enhance the transition from current farming to sustainable farming. The Kiwa Initiative is proud to enable this new collaboration along with its partners SPC and the fijian government, a major step to promote a major agroecological transformation in Pacific Island states.

Learn more in this article: https://www.spc.int/updates/news/media-release/2023/07/launch-of-organic-learning-farm-centres-provides-major-boost-for

© Poetcom

Learning exchanges continue within our first regional project, Kiwa Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network POLFN!

During the month of April, the Kiwa POLFN team visited the Teitei Taveuni group of farmers based in the garden island of Fiji, Taveuni. This meeting was the opportunity to learn more about sustainable practices, organic and agroecological agriculture programs and projects.

Teitei Taveuni is an active network of farmers that are continuously researching and adapting farming practices on 10 demonstration farms. Over time, the project team has grown and the members are now experts in their fields.

While building a sense of community among farmers, this visit is achieving a fundamental step in the project’s overall philosophy: Farmers getting inspired from complementary practices ultimately become more resilient.

© SPC

In the context of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Pacific-Community-SPC highlights the vital connection between organic agriculture and women's economic empowerment.

For example in Tonga, cultural and systemic barriers, like land ownership norms, have limited women’s involvment in agriculture.

Thanks to a collaboration with local stakeholders such as the Tonga National Youth Congress, the POLFN project suggests farming as a family-oriented project, ensuring women are included as key contributors.

This inclusive and empowering approach is fundamental to question stereotypes and contributes to ending violence against women.

© Kiwa Initiative

On this International Day of Forests, the Kiwa #POLFN regional project participated in an event organized in Fiji to promote #Agroforestry.

This practice, that combines trees, crops and/or animals on the same agricultural plot and allows a better use of resources and greater biological diversity, is one of technologies that the farms selected in the POLFN project will use in #Fiji, #Nauru, #Tonga and the #Solomon islands."

Organic agriculture can contribute to the health of trees by promoting soil health and biodiversity, reducing the use of synthetic chemicals and pesticides, and enhancing nutrient cycling.Trees rely on healthy soil to grow and thrive, and organic agriculture practices focus on building soil health by using natural soil amendments such as compost and cover crops. These practices can improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, which can promote healthy tree growth and reduce the risk of diseases and pests."

Credit: Pacific Community

© Kiwa Initiative

Earlier this month, three Kiwa projects — EMPOWER, POLFN and WISH+ — joined 29 experts from 14 countries in Nadi, Fiji, for a workshop hosted by WCS, CEFAS and CORDAP.

The focus: strengthening Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to reduce land-based water pollution reaching coral reefs.

Participants outlined shared priorities, including pollution reduction, integrated watershed management and researchefforts needed to scale action.

As one of the first forums uniting multiple Kiwa projects, this workshop deepens regional collaboration and cross-project learning for a more resilient Pacific.

© Kiwa Initiative

The purpose of this call launched by the Pacific Community and Organic Pasifika is to provide a list of potential organic learning farms in Fiji, Nauru, Tonga and the Solomon Islands. 

Two organic learning farms are to be set up in each country to provide support and coordinate training with other farmers, as farm advisors, in partnership with the SPC and Organic Pasifika.

Closing date: 7th October 2022.

CEOI details can be found here: https://bit.ly/3Sgcr9p

This call is part of the deployment of our Kiwa POLFN project.

This regional project aims to develop organic farming systems for food security, climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation to build resilience in smallholder farmers.

The main objectives of the project are to:

• Increase the area of sustainably managed land through Nature-based Solutions (agroecology and agroforestry).
• Ensure changes in agricultural practices for food security through economic incentives. Farms and associated food networks will be monitored.
• Promote regional cooperation and experience sharing among farmers and communities in Pacific Islands countries and territories.

© Poetcom KiwaInitiative

The Kiwa #POLFN regional project, "Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network" proudly announces the inauguration of its official farm in Nauru, situated at the Max Dowedia Organic Learning Farm Centre.

Objective of these organic learning farm centers is to highlight the benefits of Nature-based Solutions, encompassing #agroecology, #agroforestry and #organic production methods and technologies, as a means to address climate resilience and bolster capacity-building efforts.

How does organic farming enhance community resilience?
- It secures food supply,
- It cultivates local production,

- It preserves precious land resources,
- It champions the cause of healthy food.

Congratulations to all the dedicated teams involved, including farmers, the POETCom staff and all the stakeholders who contribute to the success of this project.

Learn more about the Kiwa POLFN project: https://urlz.fr/n4id

© Poetcom

The Kiwa POLFN regional project "Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network" has launched its official organic learning farms in Tonga. The farms are located in Mahuleva and Ovava, Tonga.

Organic farming solves significant challenges that contribute to community resilience, such as:

• The production of healthy food,
• The development of local production and resources,
• The conservation of land resources,
• The fight against climate change.

Thanks to agroecological practices that reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, ecosystems are protected, the soil is fertile, making agriculture more robust/sustainable and preserving water quality.

Well done to all the teams involved, whether farmers, POETCom members and every partner in charge of implementing this project.

© Kiwa Initiative

Let us introduce the project manager of the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network – POLFN - Mr. Timoci Nakalevu. He is leading the very first Kiwa Initiative’s regional project since June 2021.

Timoci is part of the Organic Pasifika organization based in Fiji. With his team and colleagues from the Pacific Community - SPC, they are working to implement the POLFN project, requiring collaboration between various actors located in Fiji, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tonga, French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna.

The goal of this project is the development of organic farming systems for food security, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. It’s also strengthening the resilience of smallholder producers through the establishment of a reliable network of Organic Learning Farms (OLFs).

© Kiwa Initiative

In Nauru, farming is constrained by degraded soils and scarce water. To address this, the Kiwa Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) regional project , in partnership with Nauru’s Departments of Environment and Agriculture and supported by the Kiwa Initiative, carried out innovative farmer-led research.

Trials compared desalinated vs. rainwater, and raised vs. non-raised beds, for growing Chinese cabbage. Results showed that raised beds irrigated with desalinated water produced the highest yields, with stronger growth and heavier harvest weights, without compromising nutritional value.

These findings demonstrate that simple, affordable Nature-based solutions can enhance food sovereignty and climate resilience for island communities.

To read the SPC article on this study: What is Nauru doing with desalinated water?

© Poetcom

The POLFN network is growing!

We are pleased that TNYC – Tonga National Youth Congress - a stakeholder of the POLFN project as a beneficiary country, selected 2 additional organic farms to be included in the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network project.

The selection of networked farms in each country is a major step for this four-year program. In the end, there should be at least one farm in every country of the regional project including Fiji, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Tonga.

As part of the Kiwa Initiative, project leaders are committed to ensuring that the implementation of their regional project is aligned with national policies to ensure that it meets a defined need and a committed approach.

© Kiwa Initiative

With the support of the Kiwa Initiative, a new training session is underway at the Mudrenicagi Estate Organic Learning Farm Centre in Bua, Fiji.

Eleven farm cluster leaders from across the region have gathered to take part in a Farmer Field School training designed to strengthen their capacity to support smallholder and family farmers.

Organised in collaboration with the Fijian Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, GIZ, and POETCom, this hands-on “training of trainers” is part of the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) project. The training focuses on practical agroecological techniques while reinforcing the intrinsic value of conserving biodiversity within agricultural systems.

© Kiwa Initiative

Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) team is in the Solomon Star News. The article is about the Tools for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE), a training conducted with organic farmers at Kastom Gaden Association in Solomon islands.

© Kiwa Initiative

This week, farmers from Malaita, Guadalcanal, and Western Province gathered at the Zai Na Tina Organic Farm in Honiara to take part in a hands-on training on vermicomposting.

Guided by the Organic Pasifika team and the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) KIwa project, participants learned how totransform organic waste, such as food scraps, into a natural and nutrient-rich fertilizer through the action of earthworms.

This simple yet effective practice helps to improve soil health and fertility, enhance biodiversity on farms and foster a more sustainable andclimate-resilient agriculture.

Beyond technical training, the project also promotes Nature-based Solutions (NbS) by integrating agroecology and agroforestry into local farming practices.

© Kiwa Initiative - POLFN Organic Pacifica - April 25

A new organic farming training programme was launched last week at the Mudrenicagi Organic Learning Farm Centre in Wainunu, located in Fiji’s Bua province  to strengthen the resilience of small-scale farmers.

Over the next 8 months, local farmers will take part in monthly one-day training sessions, led by agricultural advisors. This initiative is part of the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) project, funded by the Kiwa Initiative. The first session focused on the foundations of organic farming: soil health and composting. These practices lie at the heart of agroecology and are key to improving natural soil fertility, restoring agricultural biodiversity, and reducing dependence on chemical inputs.

Since 2021, the POLFN project has achieved:

• 7 organic learning farms operational across the Pacific
• 187 farmers trained in 26 geographic clusters
• Active presence in 4 countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Nauru

The POLFN project aims to create a regional network of learning farms, where small-scale producers can gain practical skills, exchange knowledge with peers, and adapt their farming methods to climate challenges — while promoting Nature-based Solutions throughout the Pacific.

© Kiwa Initiative

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Pacific-Community-SPC are hosting a #side-event on agroecological transition on March 8 during #PAWF Pacific Week of Agriculture in Fiji.

Timoci Nakavelu, the project manager of our regional Kiwa #POLFN project, will speak about the exchange of experiences with the PROTEGE project as a concrete illustration of regional #cooperation, and present the implementation of a network of #agroecological demonstration farms in the ##Pacific region.

© Kiwa Initiative

At Tonga’s Mahuleva Organic Learning Farm Centre, Farm Advisor Navuso Tuaimeiapi is reviving the Pacific’s sustainable farming heritage.

Mahuleva is proving that small-holder farmers can thrive by blending traditional knowledge with agroecology.

© POLFN POETCOM

After a week-long workshop, 400 dedicated seed farmer savers from across the globe shared their best practices in seed saving and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Shane Tutua was among them, one of six representatives supported through Pacific Community-SPC Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) Project.

Dr. Shane Tutua underlines the importance of language in shaping farmers' perspectives on seeds.

Thanks to the support from the POLFN Project with funding from the Kiwa Initiative, he has equipped his farm in the Solomon Islands into becoming a learning centre for small-holder farmers, researchers, and agriculture stakeholders.

Find out more about Nature-based solutions for adapting to climate change.

© Kiwa Initiative

The Kiwa Initiative launches its Pacific Organic Learning Farm Network project

Implemented by SPC, the Pacific Organic Learning Farm Network project aims to develop organic farming systems that promote food security, biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. The mission of this project? To build climate resilience among small-holder producers in Fiji, Nauru, the Solomon Islands,Tonga and and beyond. This is a network of organic learning farms dedicated to becoming true educational centers for communities.

From this initial network of learning farms, the mission of this regional project is to share best methods and technologies in agroforestry, agroecology and organic farming production thus greatly increasing the area of land sustainably managed through these Nature-based Solutions.

© Kiwa Initiative

On February 9th, the newly established Kiwa Initiative Pacific Organic Learning Farm Network (POLFN) team participated in its first training with members of the PROTEGE* network during a videoconference. The focus of this working session was on the establishment and management of learning farms. It was an opportunity to share the experiences of PROTEGE members located in the French territories in the Pacific. This organic learning farms network created by the Pacific Community (SPC) is designed to demonstrate the benefits of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in agroecology and agroforestry.

Increasing access to organic farming methods and technologies to address food security, climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation are the main objectives of the Kiwa Initiative Pacific Organic Learning Farm Network (POLFN). This €4.6 million project aims to meet the needs of small-scale farmers in Fiji, Nauru, Tonga and Solomon Islands, in cooperation with Wallis and Futuna, French Polynesia and New Caledonia.

*PROTEGE is funded by the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund (FED) and implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP). For more information about PROTEGE visit: https://protege.spc.int/en

© Kiwa Initiative

REGIONAL COOPERATION IN ACTION!

This week, the PROTEGE program welcomes in New Caledonia 12 members of our first regional Kiwa POLFN (Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network) project team from Fiji, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Tonga.

This regional meeting between the POLFN delegation and farmers from New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, and French Polynesia, will provide an opportunity to share technical expertise in order to encourage agroecological transition in the Pacific.

The PROTEGE program, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC), trought its thematic of "Agriculture and Forestry", aims to support the agro-ecological transition of the Pacific French overseas territories for an agriculture, especially organic, adapted to climate change and respectful of biodiversity.

The first regional Kiwa Initiative POLFN project, implemented by POETCom, aims to develop organic farming systems for food security, climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation to build resilience of smallholder farmers in Fiji, Nauru, Tonga and the Solomon Islands.

The main objectives of the project are:

• To increase the area of land in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories that is sustainably managed through Nature-based Solutions (agroecology and agroforestry).
• To ensure changes in agricultural practices for food security through economic incentives. Monitoring will be implemented in farms and associated food networks.
• Promote regional cooperation and experience sharing between farmers and communities in the Pacific.

A Call for expressions of Interest is currently open until October 7 to identify a list of potential educational farms in Fiji, Nauru, Tonga and Solomon Islands. Two organic teaching farms are to be established in each country to provide support and coordinate training with other farmers as farm advisors in partnership with SPC and POETCom.

The participation of the English-speaking team of the Kiwa POLFN project in this workshop is a very good example of regional cooperation between Pacific island Countries and French Territories. A translation of the exchanges between the two languages (English and French) has been planned to facilitate the discussions.

During the international exhibition "Tech & Bio" which will be held on October 7th and 8th in La Foa, a common stand will be held to present the actions implemented by SPC in the framework of the PROTEGE project and the regional Kiwa project.

Click here to watch the French TV news of 04/10 broadcasted on NC1ere https://bit.ly/3EhzNrr (starting at 5min45)

© SPC

The Mahuleva Organic Learning Farm Centre in Tonga recently held its first training session for small-scale farmers, focusing on organic farming methods within an agroecological framework. The training, part of the Kiwa Initiative's Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) Project, took place from July 8th to 11th in Nukualofa, Tonga.

Empowering Farmers with Sustainable Techniques

During this intensive training, participants learned essential organic farming techniques, including various composting methods, marcotting, and natural pest control strategies. These techniques are vital for maintaining healthy soil and promoting the long-term sustainability of organic farms. The training aimed to enhance farmers' knowledge and skills, enabling them to improve their crop yields and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Farmer Testimonials Highlight the Benefits of Organic Farming

One of the farmer participants, Sesili Sinipata, shared his insights on the benefits of organic farming: “It is better to move into organic, in that way we can preserve the soil for future generations. We must not be greedy and seek our own benefits, but we should also look at the youth and the future.” This testimonial underscores the importance of sustainable farming practices in preserving soil health and ensuring food security for future generations.

Positive Outcomes and Future Prospects

The training session was a resounding success, leaving the farmers inspired and motivated to implement the new techniques they had learned. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their farming knowledge and skills and were excited to see the positive impact these methods would have on their crops and livelihoods.

The Mahuleva Organic Learning Farm Centre's initiative reflects a significant step towards promoting organic farming and agroecology in Tonga. By equipping farmers with sustainable farming techniques, the centre is fostering a community of environmentally conscious farmers dedicated to preserving their land for future generations.

Click here for more information on the benefits of Nature-based Solutions in the Pacific.

© Kiwa Initiative

Developed through the Kiwa POLFN (Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network) project, the resources are designed to make it easier for farmers, extension officers and trainers to adopt agroecological and organic farming practices. They provide practical guidance on areas such as soil health, composting, pest management, seed production and sustainable crop management.

The tools build on the experience of Fiji’s Organic Learning Farm Centres, which serve as demonstration sites where farmers can learn hands-on techniques, exchange knowledge and test climate-resilient farming practices. 

By improving access to practical training and technical information, the POLFN project aims to increase food security, strengthen farmers' livelihoods, protect biodiversity and support Fiji's transition towards more sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

© Kiwa Initiative

Fifteen farmers and technicians from Tonga, Fiji, Palau, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia, all members of the Pacific Organic Learning Farm Network (POLFN), travelled to Tahiti for an immersion with Bio Fetia, the association that manages the Bio Pasifika certification in French Polynesia.

Organised by POETCom with the support of the Kiwa Initiative and Pacific Women Lead, the visit allowed POLFN members to attend the Compliance Committee, observe technical discussions on farms applying for certification, and discover the final steps of the Bio Pasifika certification process.

The event was also an opportunity to exchange ideas on establishing Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) in their respective countries.
A fruitful exchange of knowledge and regional cooperation to further strengthen the growth of organic farming in the Pacific. 

© POETCOM

The POLFN Call for first circle #farmers is extended for the Solomon Islands!

Submit your Expression of Interest #EOI forms and supporting documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., before November 23rd 2023.

All the information are available here: https://urlz.fr/ouF0

© Kiwa Initiative

The Organic Learning Farms Network is coming to life in the field. Members of the POLFN project team had been on the road from August 3 to 13 with their counterparts in Tonga.

It was with great pleasure that the Pacific Organic Farms Network project team, represented by project leader Timoci Nakalevu and members Emosi Cagi, Fuatino Fatiaki and Sandhya Devi accompanied by Drew Havea, Kiwa's POLFN National Project Coordinator for Tonga went on a field trip to the Kingdom of Tonga.

Understanding the farm assessment methodology

One of the objectives of the trip was to facilitate workshops from August 3 to 5 on the Tool for Agroecological Performance Evaluation (TAPE), which will be used to monitor and evaluate the progress of each learning farm in the POLFN network.

Workshops for the different actors of the network

Participants in these workshops came from Fiji and Tonga, with representatives from Solomon Islands and Nauru also able to participate virtually. Participants include representatives from the government, ministry of agriculture, forestry, health, youth, women and farmers of Tonga.

Potential farm visits

The rest of the stay aimed, for the project team, to meet with local staff and visit some potential farms in Tongatapu and Vavau.

Tonga is one of the four sites in the Kiwa network of organic educational farms (Fiji, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Tonga).

© Kiwa Initiative

Our Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) is in Nauru this week introducing the Tools for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) to local farmers. The team visited the Buada Farm, seeing methods used for best productivity and organic compost.

Also known as ‘ecological agriculture’, agroecology is a way of farming and managing crops, livestock, forests, fisheries that is viable, long-lasting, resilient to climate change, and offers various other environmental, social and cultural benefits such as addressing food and water scarcity, and poverty.

© Poetcom

We are proud to announce the official launch of the Solomon Islands Organic Learning Farms, as part of the Kiwa #POLFN project.

These farms are set to make a significant impact on sustainable agriculture, enhancing innovative agroecological practices to boost ecosystem resilience, but also improve the well-being of our communities:
📍 Zai Na Tina Farm, in Honiara
📍 Gwa’unafiu Farm, in Malaita

The launch event took place at the Kastom Gaden Association farm, on Guadalcanal Island, with our dedicated Kiwa POLFN Team. We thank all the partners who have joined, like Mr. Lottie Vaisakavea, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and Ms. Florence Rahiria, Deputy Director of the Pacific Community (SPC) Land Resources Division. We're also thrilled to have the support of local farmers, high school students, and representatives from neighboring communities.

This ground-breaking initiative implemented by the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community at the Pacific Community-SPC pushes for traditional methods of farming intertwined agroecological approaches to promote organic practices and fostering knowledge exchange among small-holder farmers in the Solomon Islands.

© Organic Pasifika

The Mahuleva Organic Learning Farm Centre in Tonga celebrated International Women's Day on March 8, by hosting a dialogue centered around gender inequality in Tonga's agricultural sector.

The dialogue served as a platform for the government to gain valuable insight into the challenges faced by women in farming on the ground, encouraging fruitful exchanges and discussions on how to address these pressing issues.

“In Tongan society, women are traditionally revered as the "queens" of the family and not typically involved in farming, unlike broader practices in the Pacific and globally. Despite this cultural norm, women are increasingly engaging in agriculture. Even though that is our cultural way of living, we support these women in our community, and I hope all communities support them, too..”, said Sio Tuiano, a community representative from Kolomotu‘a on Tongatapu.

© Kiwa Initiative

Mrs. Sashi Kiran, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation in the Fijian Government at the National Federation Party in Fiji visited the Organic Learning Farm in Tonga. 

Drew Havea, board member of POETCOM has been providing guidance to the project, aiming at training women and youth in sustainable organic food systems to improve nutrition diversity.

© POETCOM

The POLFN team in Navuso was proud to welcome the Kiwa Initiative Secretariat and the French Development Agency on site ! This Organic Learning Farm will provide hands-on trainings and learning experiences for the surrounding communities. 

Thank you to all the POLFN members for their relentless involvment !

© Organic Pasifika

For Pacific Communities, improving livelihoods, food supply and human health, are a major challenges when it comes to climate change adaptation.

In this context, the Kiwa Initiative POLFN Regional project focuses on two major objectives:

• Increase the area of sustainably managed land through Nature-based Solutions.
• Ensure changes in agricultural practices through economic incentives.

Recently, the POLFN National Advisory Committee (NAC) visited the Drecala farm, in Suweni village of Cakaudrove province, Fiji. This farm was chosen under the POLFN First Circle Farmers Program to assist small-holder farmers with converting their farms to organic with an Agroecological approach.

• Learn more about the POLFN kiwa regional project.
• Learn more about Nature based Solutions in the Pacific.