Litea Matavesi, at 60 years of age, exemplifies the dedication and hard work that define a true farmer. Together with her husband, she operates a farm in the heart of Naitasiri. Originally from Samabula, Suva, Litea grew up in a family where urban living was complemented by a deep connection to farming.
Her father was both a farmer and taxi driver, known for being one of the first Fijians to establish a taxi base at a local supermarket. Litea’s mother contributed by weaving and selling handicrafts to tourists while managing a shop that Litea helped oversee.
Her educational journey began at the Assemblies of God Primary School, followed by studies at The Fiji Institute of Technology and the University of the South Pacific, where she earned a double major in Management in Public Administration and IT. Despite her academic accomplishments, Litea’s passion for farming, sparked by childhood experiences with her father, drew her back to the land.
Growing up in a bustling household with six siblings, she learned teamwork and the significance of hard work early on, often assisting her father with home repairs and gardening. These experiences instilled in her a practical understanding of sustainability, driven by her father’s belief in preparing for unexpected life changes.
After marrying a schoolteacher, Litea transitioned from city life to a rural village, where she embraced the farming lifestyle, sacrificing her career to support her husband’s work as a headteacher. Now both retired, the couple enjoys life on their 10-acre farm in Lomaivuna, Naitasiri.
Litea found the shift to village life manageable, crediting her father’s teachings for her resilience. Over the years, she has transformed their small farm into a successful agricultural venture, although challenges such as water supply for their poultry farm test her creativity and problem-solving skills.
Her commitment to farming requires immense dedication. “Becoming a farmer means sacrificing your time and life to make sure things grow,” she explains. Litea encourages the younger generation to prioritize hard work, establish achievable goals, and maintain faith. “There is no substitute for hard work and no better reward from sacrifices,” she asserts.