At 60 years old, Litea Matavesi is a true embodiment of resilience and commitment, managing a farm with her husband in the heart of Naitasiri. Originally from Samabula, Suva, she grew up in a household that melded urban life with the traditional values of farming.
Litea recalls her father’s dual roles as a farmer and taxi driver, noting, “He was one of the first Fijian men to operate a taxi from a supermarket base.” Her mother primarily managed the household, but also engaged in weaving and selling handicrafts to tourists. Litea was even entrusted with overseeing the family shop at home.
Her educational path led her to Assemblies of God Primary School, 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 success, her true passion for farming, nurtured from childhood experiences, remained at the forefront.
Growing up with two brothers and five sisters, Litea learned the importance of teamwork and hard work. Cherishing memories of fishing and planting with her father, she also contributed to home maintenance, which fostered a practical understanding of sustainability. Her father’s teachings emphasized the value of preparation, equipping his daughters with essential farming skills, a critical lesson for Fijian women.
After marrying a schoolteacher, Litea transitioned from urban life in Suva to a rural village. Adapting to her new surroundings, she chose to dedicate her time to farming while her husband took on the role of headteacher. Now both retired, they live peacefully on their 10-acre farm in Lomaivuna, Naitasiri.
Litea describes the shift from city to village living as manageable, attributing her smooth transition to the teachings and experiences instilled by her father. Over the years, she has transformed their modest farm into a flourishing agricultural venture, showcasing her unwavering dedication.
However, she faces challenges, particularly regarding water supply for their poultry farm, which demands creativity and resourcefulness. “Becoming a farmer requires sacrificing time and energy to ensure growth, and that’s what I’ve devoted myself to alongside my husband,” she explains.
Her counsel to the younger generation is to “Work hard, set realistic goals, and stay committed to your beliefs.” Litea emphasizes that there is no alternative to hard work and that the fruits of sacrifice are truly rewarding.