Solomon Islander Barnabas Tiva has had his life transformed by a cocoa drying shelter funded by the ADRA, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency.

The Solar Cocoa Dryer is a clear, corrugated, solar-powered facility that assists with the drying out of cocoa beans. It is part of the ADRA Cocoa Livelihood Project funded by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in the Solomon Islands, which aims to improve the lives of cocoa farmers and their families. This project has played a crucial role in fostering positive impacts in the Northeast Guadalcanal community.

Tiva, 72, is the oldest recipient of the drying shelter, which has allowed him to meet the needs of his own family while also extending support to other families by purchasing wet beans from them.

“I am grateful to ADRA Solomon Islands for this marvelous initiative that has significantly transformed the lives of my family and community,” he said. “Previously, I was exposed to rain while drying my cocoa beans, but now I can safely dry them inside this sun dryer building, which has been a tremendous help, especially at my age.

“Thank you, ADRA Australia and ADRA Solomon Islands for the project that has positively impacted the lives of my people in Geza," he states.

Patrick Mesia, project manager for the ADRA Cocoa Livelihood Project, highlighted that Tiva’s success is a result of hard work.

“Mr. Tiva’s success is a testament to his dedication and commitment to this project,” Mesia said. “I am deeply grateful to him and would like to extend my sincere appreciation for his remarkable achievements with this project. While there have been other successes through this project, Mr Tiva’s accomplishment is particularly significant for his community, especially considering his age of 72 years. His determination in his cocoa project is truly inspiring.”

The project started in September 2018 and was set to conclude at the end of June 2021. However, due to its profound impact on the community, the program was extended twice, from June 2022 to June 2023 and has now been continued until June 2024.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division newsite, Adventist Record.