Growing resilience, harvesting hope: How communities in Makira are building a stronger future
For years, communities in Tawarodo and Manita in Makira/Ulawa Province have faced the growing impacts of climate change. Unpredictable weather, changing environmental conditions, and limited livelihood opportunities have challenged families' ability to provide food and income for their households, placing children's health, nutrition, and education at greater risk.
Today, those same communities are writing a different story, one of resilience, innovation, and hope.
Through the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) Project, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by World Vision Solomon Islands (WVSI), communities have gained new skills, resources, and opportunities to adapt to climate change while improving their livelihoods.
What began as a climate resilience initiative has grown into a community-driven movement that is transforming lives.
In Tawarodo, families are cultivating thriving home gardens using seeds and farming materials provided through the project. These gardens are producing a variety of vegetables and root crops, helping families improve nutrition, strengthen food security, and earn additional income through the sale of surplus produce. As a result, children have greater access to nutritious food that supports their healthy growth and development.
The community has also embraced beekeeping as a new and exciting livelihood opportunity. Through training and the provision of hive boxes, community members are laying the foundation for honey production that will generate income while encouraging the protection of local ecosystems.
Another major achievement has been the revival of the community Crushing Mill. With support from the project, a generator was purchased, allowing local farmers to process coconuts closer to home. This reduces transportation costs and creates new opportunities for income generation within the community, helping parents better provide for their children's education and daily needs.
Meanwhile, in Manita, community members have come together to establish a tilapia fishpond. More than just a pond, it represents a long-term investment in food security, household nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative has strengthened community cooperation while creating a reliable source of protein and future income for families, ensuring children have access to healthier diets and stronger futures.
Women have been at the heart of many of these successes.
Through the re-establishment of Savings for Transformation (S4T) groups, women are once again saving money, accessing loans, investing in small businesses, and contributing more actively to household and community decision-making. The renewed savings groups are empowering women with greater financial confidence and creating pathways for long-term economic growth, benefiting children by enabling families to invest more in their education, health, and wellbeing.
The project has also strengthened community infrastructure and environmental conservation efforts. Timber supplied through the project will support the construction of a footpath and mini bridge linking communities and improving access to the mangrove restoration site between Tawarodo and Manipua. This will make travel safer and easier for students and community members while supporting ongoing nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
Beyond the physical achievements, community members now have a deeper understanding of climate change and practical ways to respond to environmental challenges. From climate-smart agriculture to livelihood diversification and environmental stewardship, families are better equipped to face an uncertain future, creating safer and more resilient communities where children can thrive.
As the CARA Project comes to a close, its legacy will continue to be felt across Makira/Ulawa Province. Through stronger livelihoods, empowered women, improved food security, and healthier ecosystems, the project has laid a foundation for lasting resilience and sustainable development. The achievements of the communities of Tawarodo, Manita, and Manipua demonstrate that climate action is not only about adapting to change—it is about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and building a brighter future.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donor for your vision, trust, and generous support. Your investment has made a lasting difference, empowering communities with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape their own future.
Most importantly, the benefits of this project will live on in the lives of children. The healthier environments, stronger livelihoods, and more resilient communities created through CARA will help ensure that future generations can grow up safe, healthy, and full of hope. Together, we have not only strengthened communities for today but invested in a brighter future for the children of Makira/Ulawa Province.