The Eastern Division has emerged as the inaugural location for nationwide discussions on Fiji’s National Rural Development Policy (NRDP), which aims to enhance development in rural and outer island communities. Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, emphasized that the consultations are designed to improve planning and delivery of rural development initiatives throughout the nation.
Minister Ditoka highlighted the rich cultural heritage, traditions, social cohesion, and natural resource abundance of communities in Rotuma, Lau, Lomaiviti, and Kadavu. However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges these communities face, including high transportation costs, limited access to markets and services, climate vulnerabilities, and increasing pressures on livelihoods. He noted that these issues cannot be resolved in isolation or by a single institution; they necessitate robust partnerships.
This workshop is part of a broader effort to gather input for the NRDP, a key component of the Change Management Programme, which is crucial for the advancement of the Fiji National Development Plan 2025–2029. The policy development follows a recent review of the Integrated Rural Development Framework from 2009, which identified significant weaknesses in coordination, implementation, climate, and disaster risk management, underscoring the need for a more community-centered and resilient approach to rural development.
Mr. Ditoka reiterated that the NRDP is being crafted through a co-creation process that prioritizes community input in decision-making. He encouraged participants to share their experiences, challenges, and practical solutions, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity: “This means ensuring that no island, no village, and no community is left behind because of distance or disadvantage.”
Overall, the NRDP represents a hopeful step towards addressing the complexities of rural development in Fiji while empowering communities to take an active role in shaping their futures.
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