Cross-community learning: strengthening disaster preparedness through local knowledge

By Selric Faisi and Duta Bero, Save the Children in Solomon Islands, and Freda Paiva, Plan International

Community members share techniques of squeezing starch from the pulp of the sago tree. IMAGE: Selric Faisi/Save the Children

Disaster READY both facilitates and relies on excellent working relationships throughout our network of partners. In Solomon Islands, Disaster READY partners are looking to each other to run trainings that tap into local knowledge to support communities to prepare for disasters. A great example of this is a cross-community learning initiative that took place between the Buala community in Isabel Province (supported by Save the Children) and the communities of Ropiko and Sobiro in Gatokae, Western Province (supported by Plan International). This activity was designed to share local food preservation methods such as smoked fish preparation, sago palm starch extraction, and mangrove pod harvesting—all of which are crucial for food and nutritional security during times of disaster when food resources are limited.

The initiative for cross-community learning on local food preservation methods emerged following some focus group discussions carried out with young people from Buala in November 2024, where they expressed their desire to learn fish preservation techniques as part of their disaster preparedness action plan. Plan International and Save the Children then arranged for Buala community members could access this knowledge from locals in the Western Province. As a result, 10 Buala youth members were deployed for the cross-site learning.

Fish smoking is an effective way to increase food security during a disaster, yet not all communities practice this method. IMAGE Selric Faisi/Save the Children

Not all coastal communities know how to smoke fish as a preservation method. This was evident during the cross-site learning exchange. Although all communities involved are coastal, the Buala community lacked fish-smoking knowledge, while the communities from Gatokae possessed a wealth of traditional knowledge in this area.

Additionally, the current practice of fish smoking in Gatokae is primarily for economic purposes rather than survival during extended disasters. Smoked fish can stay fresh longer on the market compared to motu fish. For the communities in Gatokae, smoked fish is not only a source of income but also a means to ensure relatives living far away can receive fresh fish sent by loved ones.

Young community members from Buala try their hands at smoking fish. IMAGE: Selric Faisi/Save the Children

Over the course of the 12-day exchange, participants from Buala learned firsthand from the people of Gatokae, gaining practical knowledge on how to preserve food such as smoked fish and sago—both of which have long shelf lives and are essential staples in times of disaster. The exchange also impacted the facilitators from Gatokae, who said the activity prompted self-reflection and that they often took their skills for granted but were reminded that their knowledge could save lives—not only in their own communities but now in Isabel as well. They now appreciate their skills more and see themselves as a resilient people. They also expressed a willingness to continue sharing their knowledge with other communities and provinces.

As Freda Paiva, Plan International’s Disaster Risk Management Coordinator, explained, "We wanted the community from Buala to experience how food can be preserved traditionally, using methods that are simple but highly effective during disasters. Sharing these practices is about building resilience for the future."

The activity was well-received, with participants expressing deep appreciation for the skills and knowledge shared. Duta Bero, Project Manager at Save the Children, emphasized the value of cross-community learning. She said, "This exchange is a great example of how we can come together to share knowledge that will ultimately help strengthen disaster preparedness in our communities. The traditional practices we’ve learned here can make a significant difference in times of crisis."

A young woman learns how to pound and extract mulch from the trunk of a sago tree. IMAGE: Selric Faisi/Save the Children

The exchange program had a profound impact on the Buala community, with participants now equipped to teach their fellow community members about food preservation techniques. Emmanuel Ingram, a participant from Buala, said, "I’ve learned how to preserve fish and process sago palm—things we never knew back home. I will go back and teach the others in my community so that we can be better prepared in case of disaster."

The success of this activity highlights the importance of local knowledge in disaster resilience and the power of community-based learning. Hugh Basako, another participant from Buala, added, "Learning about sago and smoked fish preservation here in Gatokae has shown me how these simple techniques can help us survive in times of disaster. I’m excited to bring this knowledge back to my community."

Sago palm starch can have a long shelf-life, so early preparation can mean families have food during and after an emergency. IMAGE: Selric Faisi/Save the Children

Looking ahead, there is growing recognition of the need to continue fostering such exchanges to ensure that more communities across the Solomon Islands can learn from each other’s traditional knowledge and adapt to the changing climate. Freda highlighted the need for more of these activities when she said, "The more we share, the stronger our communities will be. This exchange has been a stepping stone, but we need to continue this work—not only with food preservation but with other disaster preparedness practices."

Plans are already underway to extend these learning activities to other communities, with a focus on integrating climate change adaptation strategies into traditional knowledge systems. As climate-related disasters become more frequent, the role of traditional knowledge in building resilience cannot be overstated.

Sago water is filtered into bucket leaving the sago starch to settle. IMAGE: Selric Faisi/Save the Children

The cross-learning activity between Buala and Gatokae serves as a powerful example of how sharing traditional knowledge can enhance disaster preparedness and resilience. By learning from each other, communities are better equipped to face the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters. The Disaster READY project—through its collaboration with Save the Children, Plan International, and their partners—continues to pave the way for stronger, more resilient communities in the Solomon Islands.