Ioane Esava, a dedicated father from Navunibau Village in Namosi, believes that hard work and discipline are essential for achieving success, whether in urban settings or rural farming. Esava, who begins his day at the farm with his three sons at 7 a.m., is committed to instilling these values in his children as they tackle the challenges of farming together.
This year, Ioane has ambitious plans for their yaqona and dalo farm, aiming to cultivate more land than ever before. After successfully planting 1,000 yaqona plants last year, he has set a target of planting another 1,000 this year, while his sons have their own goals—600 for the eldest and 300 for the middle child. The family is united in their effort, targeting a shared harvest in 2029.
In addition to his farming duties, Ioane serves as a district representative for Namosi. He has observed an increasing trend of village youth seeking job opportunities abroad, which raises concerns about leaving valuable local resources untapped. He encourages young people to consider the financial benefits of agriculture, noting that farm earnings can often surpass what they might make overseas after expenses.
Ioane makes it a priority to balance farming with education for his sons, reminding them of the long-term value of schooling despite the immediate financial gains from their agricultural efforts. He recently guided his sons to prepare for school while continuing their work on the farm. His commitment to instilling discipline at home extends to promoting healthy choices, as he advises his family to avoid smoking and drinking, especially amid rising drug-related issues in urban areas.
As Ioane looks toward the future, he remains hopeful that his sons will grow into responsible adults who will embrace and pass on the legacy of hard work and self-sufficiency to the next generation. Through their farming efforts, he aims not only to cultivate crops but also to nurture values that will endure within their family for years to come.
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