Summary of publication
This report presents the main findings of the independent evaluation of the Pacific Biosecurity Partnerships Program (PBPP) and Phase 3 of the Solomon Islands Biosecurity Development Program (SIBDP), both funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
PBPP is a regional program which partners with Pacific island biosecurity agencies and regional organisations to strengthen regional capacity to identify and manage biosecurity risks, in line with international standards, and improve understanding of safe trade and market access practices.
SIBDP is a bilateral, capacity development program that provides technical, operational and institutional support to the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and Biosecurity Solomon Islands. The program is supported by a DAFF in-country official based in Honiara to facilitate program coordination and delivery.
The evaluation assessed program effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability, drawing on document review, stakeholder interviews and field visits in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Samoa.
The evaluation found the programs are strengthening relationships and biosecurity systems across the Pacific, and makes six recommendations to inform future PBPP, SIBDP, DFAT and DAFF programming. These recommendations will inform current activity delivery and future DFAT and DAFF programs.
Full publication
DAFF Management Response
DFAT Management Response
DFAT notes that DAFF has agreed four out of six recommendations of the independent evaluation and partially agreed two. DFAT welcomes DAFF’s response and its commitment to strengthen program implementation. Since mid-2025, and following receipt of the initial evaluation findings, DFAT has worked with the DAFF to strengthen the program. This has included providing multi-year funding in recognition that regional coordination requires sustained effort over time, developing a clearer theory of change and outcome indicators for 2026 to 2027, and enhancing communication and coordination with DFAT’s overseas missions.