Epeli Draunidalo Laliqavoka, a 75-year-old man from the village of Tarukua in Cicia, Lau, shared insights about the traditional practices surrounding the harvesting of coconuts and the art of producing coconut products. He reminisced about his childhood and the significance of these practices, emphasizing their importance to indigenous culture.
According to Epeli, there are two main forms of coconut products in Cicia, with men traditionally involved in creating the coconut oil while women handle the production of coconut milk. He described the detailed process of harvesting coconuts, from selecting the best nuts to using proper methods that ensure quality.
Epeli has been producing coconut oil for over three decades and started his business in 2007 after retiring from a government job. He noted that his handcrafted coconut oil has gained popularity, with orders coming from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and other Pacific regions.
The price for his coconut oil is set at $2 per liter, and he emphasized the high demand, stating that customers often place repeated orders. He acknowledged that producing coconut oil is challenging but rewarding, as he learned through observation and personal experience despite not having formal training.
Epeli encourages the youth in his community to cultivate sustainable practices and maintain their cultural heritage, urging them to take care of the resources passed down from their ancestors. He advocates for greater self-reliance and the maximization of local resources to improve livelihoods.
He believes that maintaining traditional values is essential for fostering resilience within the community.