Bad Roads Force Fiji’s Women Vendors to Trek 20km and Camp in the Nadi Highlands

Poor road access remains a significant hurdle for the women vendors of Magodro Village in Ba, compelling many to endure long journeys on horseback and spend nights away from home just to make ends meet. Alena Natui, a local villager, highlighted the challenges faced by women farmers who often travel up to 20 kilometers to reach their farms, many of which are nestled in the Nadi Highlands where road conditions render vehicle access nearly impossible.

“We face a lot of difficulties with the road conditions,” expressed Natui. “We are not only women vendors at the Nadi market but also farmers in the Nadi Highlands.” She detailed how these women often depart their homes as early as 4 AM every Monday, camping in makeshift shelters in the forest while harvesting turmeric and other vegetables. “Because of the condition of the road, we have to stay three or four nights at the farm,” she explained, noting that they use tarpaulin for shelter, leaving their children and grandchildren waiting at home.

Many of these women serve as the primary breadwinners for their families, with Natui stating, “Even though we have our husbands there to plant, we can also use our hands to plant.” The plight worsens during wet weather, as road conditions become slippery and treacherous, heightening the risk involved in their travels. “I feel sorry for us women, walking 20 kilometers to get turmeric and selling them for $1.50 at the warehouse, and we are having sleepless nights,” she lamented.

Furthermore, the challenging road conditions also affect students attending Bukuya High School, with some missing classes as a consequence of travel difficulties. Natui has reached out to the authorities for urgent action on this pressing issue, raising her concerns to the Minister for Infrastructure, Ro Filipe Tuisawau.

The determination demonstrated by these women in the face of such obstacles reflects their resilience and commitment to their families. With the right support and infrastructure improvements, there is hope that their lives can be made significantly easier, allowing them to thrive both as vendors and farmers. Addressing these road challenges can pave the way for a brighter future for the women of Magodro Village and their families.