Value-adding to ones’ produce is one of the approaches encouraged for market vendors to increase their sales and by extension, their income. Market for Change Project works with development partners to facilitate relevant activities like value-adding demonstrations, as market vendors can benefit significantly from practical sessions.
In Honiara (Solomon Islands) earlier this week, for two hours, a demonstration session on how to make chocolate smoothies, cocoa skinny tea and face mask from cocoa was held by Strongim Bisnis, in collaboration with the Honiara Central Market Venders Association (HCMVA) and Markets for Change.
Winnie Zale, a market vendor who attended the demonstration said: “I see this as a cheaper way to make chocolate rather than buying chocolate from the shops which is very expensive. Also I can make cocoa lotion for skin care. I really enjoyed listening to the demonstration and getting new ideas and can go back home and do it.”
The aim of these demonstration is to provide an opportunity for market vendors especially women to gain knowledge and skills on how to make above products from the local dried cocoa beans.
HCMVA chair Maureen Sariki expressed great appreciation to Strongim Binis and M4C for facilitating such a learning session.
Markets for Change is supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. UNDP in the Pacific is an implementing partner.
Source: UN Women