Petero Maciu, a 21-year-old from Nawi, Buca Bay in Cakaudrove, has taken significant steps to improve his livelihood through agricultural practices. Growing up in a family that has always emphasized the importance of land use, Petero began farming when he was still a child, inspired by his father’s guidance on how to effectively utilize their land.
Petero, the second of five siblings, still lives with his family in their village. He completed his education up to the eighth grade but decided not to continue due to the opportunities he saw in agriculture and the potential benefits it could bring.
In 2020, he made a decision to focus on enhancing his agricultural skills and avoiding reliance on others for his progress. Currently, he cultivates a variety of crops on his family’s land, including yaqona, taro, cassava, and vegetables. This year, he has also begun selling his yaqona at the market in Labasa, which has proven profitable.
Petero has established a strong market presence with his yaqona, selling it at prices between $70 and $80 per kilogram. His initial sales yielded around $11,000. The land he tends to spans approximately five kilometers and he diligently works on it daily despite facing challenges. He often visits nearby areas to enhance his farming techniques.
Petero strongly believes in the value of proper land use and quickly sees the results of his hard work. His farming endeavors not only support his family financially but also allow him to invest in necessary resources for improved productivity. His family has benefited significantly from his agricultural successes, providing opportunities for them to sell food and other items.
In March of this year, he celebrated his 21st birthday by hosting two cattle for the community, inviting villagers to join in the celebration. Recently, he also sold a traditional dish he prepared for the market, showcasing his culinary skills.
Petero hopes to inspire other young people in the village to take initiative and make productive use of their time. He believes that the government should support youth to develop their skills and create sustainable livelihoods. At this time, Petero seeks assistance in acquiring more land and resources for agriculture and is eager to improve the infrastructure in order to support his farming activities more effectively.
His aspirations include building his own house and having dedicated land for farming, as well as acquiring a tractor to aid in his agricultural endeavors. Despite the challenges posed by harsh weather conditions, he remains resolute in his commitment to improve farming in his community, emphasizing the need for responsible land usage.
With a focus on sustainable practices, Petero calls on the youth to engage meaningfully in agriculture and take advantage of the land available to them, ensuring a brighter future for themselves and their families.