Petero Maciu, a 21-year-old from Nawi village in Cakaudrove, is encouraging his peers to take advantage of unused land in their communities to establish a sustainable lifestyle. Mr. Maciu, who began farming at a young age, has successfully cultivated more than five acres of clan land with yaqona, root vegetables, and other crops.
He expresses gratitude to his father, Sakapo Tui, for motivating him to use their land effectively. “My father always encouraged me to make use of the land to have a better living,” Mr. Maciu remarked, emphasizing the importance of returning to the agricultural practices of their ancestors instead of depending on external food sources.
Despite leaving school after Class Eight, Mr. Maciu has no regrets about his decision. He believes that the income from his agricultural endeavors surpasses what he might earn through formal education. His first yaqona harvest in 2023 alone generated over $11,000.
Mr. Maciu sells his crops, including yaqona, cassava, dalo, and bananas, at the Labasa Market, where yaqona fetches between $70 and $80 per kilogram. He highlights the necessity of hard work and sacrifice, sharing that he often walks five kilometers to reach his farm and frequently stays there overnight to maximize productivity.
“I never gave up despite the distance. I believe that if all Fijians, especially iTaukei, utilize the land, it could address many challenges in Fiji, including poverty,” he stated. The income he earns supports his family, enables him to invest in farming tools, and allowed him to celebrate his 21st birthday with his community by purchasing two cows.
Recently, Mr. Maciu invested in a twin cab truck to streamline the transportation of his produce to market. Looking ahead, he aims to build his own house, buy land in town, and acquire a tractor to enhance his farming operations.
He advises young people: “If you have nothing to do, make use of your time and plant the land. You will reap the rewards in due season. We have to honor God daily, who is the source of strength in our life.”