Roots of Resilience: Makira Communities Preparing for Disaster

In the remote communities of Makira/Ulawa Province, resilience is more than recovery—it is a way of life built long before disaster strikes. Faced with limited fertile land and constant exposure to natural hazards, communities are not standing still. They are rising—strengthening their future through sustainable gardening, collective savings, strong local leadership, and innovation born from within. Every action taken today is a step toward a tomorrow where families face uncertainty not with fear, but with confidence, unity, and unwavering strength. 

Through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) Disaster READY Project supported by the Australian Government through DFAT and implemented by World Vision Solomon Islands (WVSI), communities in Makira/Ulawa have received trainings and support activities that equip families with the knowledge and skills needed to better prepare for disasters and respond during emergencies. 

For Mrs. Esther Maringa of Nafinuatogo Village on Santa Anna Island, resilience begins in the garden. With only small areas available for planting due to the rocky landscape across the island, she carefully grows cassava, sweet potato, and taro around her home. These root crops are reliable food sources that can survive harsh weather conditions and continue feeding families during times of disaster. 

“We used the gardening techniques and skills that World Vision trained us in. We make every square meter count, and these root crops keep our families fed during disasters,” Mrs. Maringa said. 

Beyond food security, families are also building financial resilience through their Saving for Transformation (S4T) groups. Mrs. Elsie Piawata, a member of the savings groups at Nafinuatogo Village, said the group’s disaster reserve fund has become an important support system during emergencies. 

“This fund helps families buy food, repair homes, or pay for medicine when disaster strikes,” Mrs. Piawata explained. 

Through regular savings, community members are creating a safety net that helps families recover faster after disasters. 

Leadership also plays a vital role in disaster preparedness. Through Leadership Trainings facilitated by WVSI, community leaders like Robert Duddley Fare, Chairman of the Village Disaster Committee (VDC) of Nafinuatogo Village, have gained the knowledge and skills needed to effectively guide and support their communities during emergencies.  

“I learned how to organize evacuation plans and lead my people during emergencies,” Mr. Fare shared. 

Today, Robert helps coordinate preparedness activities and ensures families understand what actions to take when disasters occur. 

In Tawaroga Village (Star Habour), Mr. Solomon Parafea is combining traditional knowledge with practical innovation to prepare for disaster challenges. By using raised garden beds, composting techniques, and maintaining plantations of Swamp or Giant Taro locally known as Kakake in the village backyard, he continues to grow crops that can sustain the community during disasters and food shortages. 

“Even if we face cyclones, we still have enough to sustain our families,” Solomon said proudly. 

According to Willian Rikirongo, Coordinator and Disaster Manager for the AHP Disaster READY Project building resilience at the community level is essential in helping families prepare for future disasters.  

“The Project is helping communities strengthen their preparedness through practical training, leadership development, and community-driven solutions. By empowering communities with practical knowledge and skills, families are becoming better prepared, more confident, and more resilient in responding to disasters,” William stated.  

In Makira/Ulawa Province, hope is alive and rising—rooted in communities that stand together, nurturing resilience through sustainable gardens, shared savings, strong leadership, and local innovation. With every step they take, families are not waiting for disaster—they are preparing, united, confident, and ready to face the future with strength and unwavering hope. 

“The positive change seen today is made possible through the support of DFAT, helping communities move forward with confidence and strength. World Vision acknowledges the valuable support of DFAT and remains committed to continuing its work in meeting the needs of communities, especially the well-being and future of children