In the continued collaboration between Tonga Skills and the Ministry of Agriculture Food Forestry and Fisheries (MAFFF), phase two of Seed Saving training was mobilized in three outer islands of Vava’u. Sixty people from the three outer islands of Hunga, Noapapu and Falevai were trained in a hands-on seed saving skills activity that took the trainers and equipment to their islands. This skills development activity was targeted to promote year-round food production by enabling people to save their own seeds and develop a Seed Bank. Their increased food production can then be sold or used to save money for the family thus encouraging a healthier lifestyle and economic entrepreneurialism. The first phase of this program was held in October and resulted in 60 people being trained in the main island of Vava’u.

This training on Seed Saving directly links to supporting the Tonga Agricultural Sector Plan (TASP) and MAFFF’S Corporate Plan to achieve improved rural income by 10% as well as employing 100 youth each year by 2021.

Tonga Skills is an Australian Government investment, working in partnership with the Tonga Ministry of Education and Training to support inclusive economic growth through skills development in Tonga.