29/01/26

Two neighbouring communities in the Solomon Islands are working together. Community leaders Nathaniel and James are sharing what they know, so both villages can meet their needs and prepare for future disasters. 

Nathaniel is witnessing something entirely new. The Solomon Islands resident is seeing his own community work with its neighbour, for the good of both. 

Working together, the two communities can protect each other from ever more-frequent disasters, driven by climate change. 

The two villages don’t even share a language. But they share a desire to help each other. In a way it’s simple. Together they will produce staple food, cassava flour. 

But it’s not that simple. It’s groundbreaking. 

‘This has never happened before,’ Nathaniel says. ‘But now, we see how good it is to share what we know.’ 

Neighbouring village leader James echoes Nathaniel’s thoughts. For him, the partnership will make life easier, especially when disasters come. 

‘They will grow the cassava, and we will share our skills to turn it into flour,’ he says. ‘This way, we help each other and meet our needs.’ 

One village has fertile soil perfect for cassava growing. But previously it lacked the equipment and knowledge to process the cassava into flour. 

The other low-lying village struggles to grow cassava. Its soil is often flooded by saltwater. Its contribution to the partnership is to supply the equipment and knowledge. 

This joint effort protects the food security of both villages, preparing them for future disasters. 

It’s a direct result of AOA’s partners’ generosity, funding on-the-ground initiatives to strengthen communities. 

It’s one small step to fight the global crisis that is climate change. 

And it’s the sum of small steps that will allow us to make a difference. 

Disaster READY is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by AOA and its partners.