Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security Project (ECRFS Project)

On 4 October 2026, material delivery was completed to initiate civil works for a demonstration plot at Kudakudhinge Bageecha under the VilunVeshi School Garden Programme. The demonstration plot is being developed in collaboration with Sifainge Co-operative (SIFCO) to showcase practical approaches to urban and climate-smart food production.

The site will include a greenhouse for cultivating lettuce and watermelon, along with a variety of fruit trees to be planted throughout the Bageecha. The demonstration plot will provide an opportunity to showcase different growing techniques and promote locally suitable food production practices.

A final site inspection was conducted by the ECRFS Project Management Unit (PMU) team, including Civil Engineer Mohamed Afraz, Environment Safeguards Specialist Fathmath Hulwa Khaleel, Social Safeguards Specialist Aminath Shareef, Programme Manager Mohamed Hamdhaan Zuhair, and Urban Agriculture Specialist Hassan Shuabee. The inspection reviewed the civil works and safeguards requirements ahead of the next stage of development.

On 1 October 2026, the first VilunVeshi Grants Evaluation Committee Meeting was held, marking the start of the review and endorsement process for applications received under the pilot round of the VilunVeshi Grant Programme.

The meeting introduced Committee members to the programme, its objectives, and their roles and responsibilities in the application evaluation process. The Committee will review applications shortlisted by SME Digital and endorse eligible applicants in accordance with the programme’s selection criteria.

The Committee brings together representatives from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness; Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare; Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources; SME Digital; Maldives Digital Service; and an independent individual expert.

On 9 September 2026, the Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security (ECRFS) Project and the Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS), together with the TRACT Project, met to explore opportunities to develop and pilot agrometeorological forecasting and advisory services to support agricultural decision-making.

Addu Meedhoo was identified as a potential pilot location. The proposed service would combine meteorological information from existing Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) with farm- and soil-level data to provide more localized and useful advisories for farmers. The meeting also discussed the potential use of soil probes and field sensors to monitor soil moisture, soil temperature and other environmental conditions.

The discussions also explored the longer-term integration of weather radar, AWS and farm-level monitoring data to strengthen localized forecasting and agricultural advisories. As a next step, ECRFS and MMS will assess the feasibility of the Addu Meedhoo pilot, the suitability of existing AWS locations, agricultural data requirements, and the compatibility of existing and proposed monitoring systems.

From 26–27 August 2026, practical training sessions were conducted at Ghaazee School to introduce students, teachers, and staff to gardening techniques incorporated into the Dhulhaheyo Ghaazee School Garden. The training focused on soil-based gardening and the cultivation of a diverse range of crops, including cucumber, Chinese lettuce, tomato, and herbs such as lemongrass and coriander. A fruit orchard was also established to introduce students to the cultivation of nutrient-rich local fruits.

A key feature of the garden is its herbal tea garden, featuring blue pea, hibiscus, and rose. The garden provides an opportunity for students to learn how flowers and herbs can be cultivated and used to prepare natural, locally grown beverages, while also promoting awareness of healthy food choices and the value of growing plants at school.

The two-day training engaged 88 participants through practical, hands-on activities, providing students and school staff with knowledge and skills to establish, maintain, and sustainably manage the garden.

The sessions were facilitated by PMU Urban Agriculture Specialist, Mr. Hassan Shuabee, who provided practical guidance on the different growing techniques and garden establishment. The programme will continue to provide technical guidance and support to help the school integrate the garden into learning activities and sustain it as a practical learning space for climate-resilient food production.

From 18–19 August 2026, practical training sessions were conducted at Muhyiddin School to introduce students, teachers, and staff to gardening techniques incorporated into the VilunVeshi School Garden design. The training covered vertical growing systems, soil-based gardening, and hydroponic systems for cultivating leafy vegetables, along with the establishment and maintenance of a fruit orchard featuring nutrient-rich local fruits. The school has named the garden “Niru,” symbolizing students as young shoots growing their knowledge and contributing to climate resilience and food security. A total of 97 participants, including students, teachers and staff joined the information session of the training.

During the hands-on sessions, students and staff prepared seeds for the vertical tower system, prepared soil, and planted the first crops in the garden. The sessions were facilitated by PMU Urban Agriculture Specialist, Mr. Hassan Shuabee, who provided practical guidance on the different growing techniques and garden establishment. The PMU will continue to support the school with planting, garden maintenance, and technical guidance throughout the project period, helping the school build the knowledge and capacity needed to sustain the garden.