The Ministry of Agriculture is leading an initiative to enhance Fiji’s agricultural sector significantly. Agriculture Chief Economist Sainiana Kirisitiana emphasizes the importance of increasing productivity, ensuring food security, and building climate resilience, particularly for women, youth, and rural communities. A crucial aspect of this initiative is the mentorship provided by seasoned entrepreneurs, which is vital for nurturing new innovators.
Upcoming events, such as the National Women’s Agriculture Symposium, will spotlight this approach by showcasing women’s leadership in the agricultural field. Kirisitiana describes the symposium as a groundbreaking platform where women entrepreneurs can present their agribusiness ideas to potential development partners, enabling them to secure the necessary support for scaling up production, enhancing their capacities, and fostering women-led enterprises.
The symposium will particularly feature a women’s investment pitching platform designed to guide participants from skills training through to funding acquisition, assisting them in expanding their agribusinesses. Joann Young, representing the Food and Agriculture Organization in Fiji, acknowledges the challenges faced by farming communities due to climate change, rising costs, and evolving markets. She announces that over the project’s duration, 30 Fijian entrepreneurs will benefit from customized mentorship, support, and improved market access.
This focused effort on empowering women, youth, and rural innovators aims not only to boost productivity and secure food systems but also to transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth, showcasing the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit within Fiji’s agricultural community.
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