TRIP II Comes to a Close: Seven Years of Building Resilient Rural Communities in Tonga

18 Dec TRIP II Comes to a Close: Seven Years of Building Resilient Rural Communities in Tonga

MORDI Tonga Trust is proud to mark the successful completion of the Tonga Rural Innovation Project – Phase II (TRIP II), a transformative seven-year initiative supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented in partnership with the Government of Tonga.

Since its inception, TRIP II has worked hand in hand with rural communities to strengthen livelihoods, food security, and resilience across Tonga. Over the life of the project, TRIP II reached more than 32,000 rural people across 122 communities, surpassing its original targets and making a meaningful difference in the lives of families throughout the country.

What makes TRIP II especially significant is not only its scale of impact, but the context in which it was delivered. The project was implemented during one of the most challenging periods in Tonga’s recent history. Communities and project teams navigated multiple natural disasters, including cyclones, the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcanic eruption and tsunami in 2022. Each of these events tested systems, disrupted livelihoods, and placed immense pressure on rural households.

Despite these challenges, TRIP II demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. The project shifted swiftly from long-term development activities to crisis response and recovery when communities needed urgent support. This included adjusting workplans, mobilising additional resources, and prioritising assistance for the most affected households, while continuing to lay the foundations for long-term resilience.

At its core, TRIP II focused on empowering communities to drive their own development. Through community development plans, support to smallholder farmers, livelihood initiatives, and climate-resilient approaches, the project strengthened local capacity and ensured that interventions were grounded in community priorities. These efforts have helped rural households better manage risks, improve food production, and build more secure and sustainable livelihoods.

The completion of TRIP II is a moment to reflect with pride on what has been achieved, and to acknowledge the collective effort behind the project’s success. Strong collaboration between IFAD, the Government of Tonga, MORDI Tonga Trust, community leaders, and participating households made it possible to deliver results even in the face of unprecedented disruption.

As TRIP II comes to a close, its legacy lives on in stronger communities, improved systems, and the confidence of rural families who are better equipped to face future challenges. MORDI Tonga Trust extends its sincere gratitude to IFAD, the Government of Tonga, and all community partners for their trust, commitment, and shared vision. Together, we have shown that with partnership, flexibility, and community leadership, lasting impact is possible—even in the most difficult of times.

For further information relating to the project, resources can be found at IFAD site.