Strengthening food security in Tonga through climate-resilient agriculture

Across the Pacific’s shimmering waters, the Kingdom of Tonga unfolds over more than 170 islands. Known for its friendly hospitality, rich culture, and migration of humpback whales, Tonga’s economy is based almost entirely on agriculture. However, climate change is exacerbating the existing challenges of agriculture in a remote location.

‘Over the years we’ve seen the impact of climate change on our agricultural production. Tonga had two severe droughts in a row over the past couple of years and the eruption of the 2022 Tsunami. There was ash that fell [from the sky] which had an immediate negative impact on the horticultural crops we were growing, such as watermelons,’ says Minoru Nishi Jnr, Managing Director of Nishi Trading.

Minoru has been farming in Tonga alongside his father since a very young age. Through their dedication and teamwork, they transformed their family business, Nishi Trading, from a smallholder farm into one of the largest agricultural exporters in Tonga. Staying connected to Nishi Trading’s humble beginnings has been a driver for Minoru to support local smallholder farmers, helping the economy by creating jobs and connecting farmers to markets overseas.

To strengthen Nishi Trading’s agricultural production amidst climate challenges and continue supporting local farmers, Australian volunteer Hans Porada worked closely with Minoru for nearly two years as a volunteer Agronomist in Tonga.

Hans had previously volunteered in Indonesia in 2011. Inspired to give back on one more assignment, and with his wife Rhonda’s ‘blessing’, Hans felt the role was written for him both professionally and personally.

‘It’s been a great assignment for a volunteer. No day is ever the same. Minoru could have me doing anything when I get to the farm… it has been really hands on’, says Hans.

By forming a strong partnership through their shared passion for agriculture, Hans and Minoru worked together to strengthen the resilience of Nishi Trading’s crops, work with the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, and consult with small local farmers and non-government organisations in Tonga to implement good farming practices.

‘A real standout moment was during my second day on the farm. I looked out at about 280 acres of land, and I thought, how am I going to help with all of this in two years? And together, Minoru and I cracked it all in 12 months’, says Hans.

‘We grew a hundred plus tons of onions, a hundred plus tons of potatoes, and 300 tons of pumpkins. We grew one of the best taro crops in Tonga. So that was a real standout moment -reflecting on the second day on the farm compared to the end of assignment, where we saw all we had achieved together.’

The success of the crops allowed Nishi Trading to trial an irrigation system, in response to a survey where 100% of farmers said it was their priority to set them up. After seeing the positive effects of the trials and applying organic fertiliser in the watermelon patches, Hans supported six small farmers to set up trial irrigation systems themselves to help combat the effects of El Nino periods.

‘We have now harvested one out of the three hectares of watermelon patches and seen a significant improvement. We have supported the farmers to confirm that this is important for production and food security for the country, and hope to expand to other farmers across Tonga. We wouldn't have been able to do it without the support of volunteers enhancing the groundwork,’ says Minoru.

‘Hans's guidance has allowed us to be more strategic in our approach and empowered us with the knowledge to decide what types of crops to focus on, given the impacts of climate change. He has really transferred his knowledge and experience to our farmers and our staff here, and we are empowered on how to move forward and improve our production in years to come,' says Minoru.

‘I (also) want to emphasise the importance of the Australian Volunteers Program, not only to Tonga, but to (other) countries. With the continuing impact of climate change, we really need to work together as a planet and as a people. If the community succeeds, the planet succeeds.'