Munda Market: Nurturing Community Empowerment in the Heart of the Solomon Islands’ Western Province

Excerpt and Photo from undp.org

Munda, located in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, is a community heavily reliant on agriculture and fisheries for livelihoods. Everyday market vendors and farmers from nearby villages in Munda travel to Munda Market to trade their farm produce and fisheries products.

Location and Significance

Munda, nestled at the southwestern tip of New Georgia Island, is a hub of activity and culture in the Western Province. The market stands as a focal point for the daily lives of over 2,000 residents, providing a platform for buying and selling; a place where people can come together to meet. Its strategic location makes it not only a local trading post but also a frequented destination for tourists exploring the natural wonders of the Solomon Islands.

Facilities and Development

The transformative changes in the Munda Municipal Market, thanks to collaborative efforts spearheaded by initiatives such as the Market for Change (M4C) Project, have resulted in significant enhancements, including the construction of two new market stalls, a public toilet, improved footpaths for accessibility, dedicated office space, per fencing for security in close collaboration with UN Women as M4C project lead. Now approximately more than 100 market vendors trade on a weekly basis from Munda Market, contributing to the community’s supply of fresh fruits, vegetables, root crops and fisheries as part of their daily livelihood.