_{by Lesley Sanga in Malaita}

While people moved from rural areas into Honiara in large numbers in search of jobs and easy life, Joel Laedola took the opposite direction. 

Joel left his formal job in Honiara and traveled back to his home village of Kakara in West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province – a tough decision that did not settle well with his family.

But Joel strongly felt that the huge population shift to Honiara has created a gap in the rural communities, leaving an equal opportunity to earn better income through farming to feed the migrating population.

In 2021, Joel boarded an inter-Island boat back to his home village, a move that raised eyebrows amongst the village folks. 

“From where opportunities are and chances of earning money to support your family are, you have taken a bold step back in time,” he recalled a relative from his village telling him upon his arrival back in the village.

Joel was hell-bent and convinced there was an immense opportunity back in the rural village in terms of farming, as demand from the urban markets soared. 

He had already observed at Honiara’s Central Market the consistent high demand, particularly for taro. 

“I even spoke to farmers and gathered that taro was a major source of income,” he recalled.

The same observation at Auki’s Central Market in Malaita gave him the final nod to his plan to launch into some serious taro farming.

“I was adamant, I was sure, I would make a decent living out of taro farming compared to working for someone in Honiara.” 

He wasted no time in getting his hands dirty with approximately 300 taro plants being planted.

“I wanted to test the waters. I wanted to see what that initial number of plants would earn. 

“I must say It did not disappoint me,” he added.

With that confirmation, Joel expanded his taro farm.

“It was not easy as said here. It was a very tough start from nothing to something. 

“I spent the first six months on my taro farm. I never return home to visit my family. I spent the nights in my taro gardens. My wife would bring me food for breakfast and dinner,” Joel recalled.

He said he was sure of the results and that was the force behind his determination. 

“I know that to make this work, I will need to make a lot of sacrifices and commitment in managing and nurturing the plants. 

“I didn’t get to sleep with my family when I started pursuing this dream,” Joel shared.

As months passed and as he saw his plants grow healthy, he was happy and knew he was on the right path.

It was finally harvest time and Joel was nervous about how the process would play out in terms of storage, transportation, and selling.

“I put too much effort, time, and resources from the beginning, and I do not want the final phase to disappoint me.

“That first harvest went well. I earned a handsome income and that stirred me even more to increase the farm size,” he said.

And in 2022, he increased the farm to three hectares, which required extra effort and labour.

Before and during the farming period, Joel learned many farming techniques. 

He acquired knowledge on the best way to prepare the land, taro plant management, and the right time to harvest for the best yield.

As his farm grew and earned him good cash, it also earned him status amongst the communities.

“I was renowned in our area as the taro farmer, and that has inspired a lot of young people in the communities.”

However, Joel advised that the successes did not come easy. He recounted sleepless nights, extra labour costs, and transportation difficulties to name just a few.

He said once a farmer overcomes the initial commencement phase and reaches the harvest and replanting process, it would be easier, but all the sacrifices and commitments remain. 

The commencement period was six months before Joel started harvesting and earning from his farms.

Asked about his takings, Joel shared that earnings generated from a single sale were between $5,000 to $7,000

“The highest earning I derived from one of my single sales was $7,600.” 

The farming concept has now turned into a financial management issue as Joel strives to meet family obligations and major needs.

“In the past few years, I have managed to build a permanent house for my family and able to meet the family’s financial obligations as well as keep the taro farming business going.”

“Farming is not just about working in the garden; it has become a business,” he said.

Joel’s market has expanded over time. He now supplies taro to major buyers, including the prison service, Kilu’ufi Hospital, and other outlets in Honiara.

Joel’s journey has inspired many young people in his community. He believes that farming is a great way to earn a living, especially in rural areas where job opportunities are lacking.

He encourages other young men who are looking for greener opportunities in cities to return home and till the soil. 

“You just have to give it some thought, plan your best move, and implement it, of course, with sacrifice and commitment.” 

He also encourages current farmers to look beyond small-scale farming. 

“Turn your farm into a business. Commercialize it. See your crops as money and expand your farm.”

“Our young people need to understand that farming is big money. The only challenge at the moment is management. Many people need to understand how to manage their earnings, and they will do greater things with the money they earn,” Joel said.

Looking ahead, Joel’s dream now is to supply large quantities of taro to markets in Honiara and Auki and to provide for any export plans. 

He also plans to help train other farmers in his village so that more people can benefit from farming.

Joel has not only gained himself a living out of taro farming but also status and fame in the communities.