Fiji, blessed with abundant natural resources, faces significant economic challenges for its landowners, according to Amena Banuve, the Agriculture Ministry’s Director of the Land Resource Planning Division. Speaking during a panel discussion on the importance of cooperatives in advancing the Blue-Green Economy, held in Nadi last week, Banuve highlighted how the kava industry stands as a prime example of Fiji’s export potential.
“Kava is at the top of the list when discussing export earners,” Banuve stated. He emphasized the need for cooperatives to play a crucial role in the production of kava while also ensuring landowners derive sustainable economic benefits. The conversation traced the impact of middlemen on the kava value chain, suggesting that cooperatives could help landowners retain more profit by forming their own clusters.
Banuve proposed the establishment of clusters of landowners and cooperatives which could be integrated within the Co-operatives Act. This integration could create sector-specific policies that would guide landowners through the value chain, ultimately helping them sustain both their land use and partnership efforts.
The discussion around cooperatives underlines a hopeful approach toward improving the livelihoods of landowners in Fiji, demonstrating how community-driven initiatives could unlock economic opportunities while preserving valuable resources. Such collaborations could strengthen not only the kava industry but also encourage broader benefits for various sectors within Fiji’s economy.
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