The FIJI Water Foundation, one of Fiji’s largest philanthropic organizations, announced the launch of its innovative “Women in Agriculture Initiative” pilot project today.
Working in collaboration with women’s groups from six neighboring villages in the Yaqara Valley, Ra, the program aims to utilize unused land and empower local women through sustainable farming practices, supported by the Foundation.
The project’s first phase was inaugurated with the women’s group from Drauniivi Village.
Uraia Waibuta, Head of the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute, commented on the initiative’s significance, saying, “This initiative aims to enhance the agricultural skills of women in the Yaqara Valley, enabling them to make informed healthy choices for their families.”
FIJI Water Foundation Director Semi Lotawa added, “Our vision is to create a sustainable, women-led agricultural supply chain that provides quality fresh produce year-round.”
Lotawa further explained that the project aims to improve the health and economic stability of women in the Yaqara Valley and ensure future generations have access to nutritious produce. By teaching agricultural best practices like crop rotation and climate-smart techniques such as drip irrigation, the initiative will provide essential knowledge and resources for efficient crop production.
Currently, the six villages participating are Drauniivi, Naseyani, Nananu, Togovere, Narauyaba, and Rabulu. Each women’s group will manage a one-acre farm plot, cultivating a variety of short and medium to long-term crops.
To ensure a consistent market for the produce and promote healthier lifestyles, the crops will be sold and delivered in vegetable packs every two weeks to over 300 FIJI Water employees at its Yaqara Plant.
This community-driven program aims to transform the economic landscape for women, with aspirations that they will one day manage successful semi-commercial farms and enhance Fiji’s food security.
Waibuta, also the chairman of the Yaqara Pastoral Company, stated, “This is an excellent training and mentorship opportunity for women, which will undoubtedly drive positive change in their communities. We are honored to work with the FIJI Water Foundation to build on its extensive philanthropy and ongoing community development efforts.”
The FIJI Water Foundation is a division of The Wonderful Company, a privately held USD $6 billion global company owned by philanthropists and entrepreneurs Lynda and Stewart Resnick. The Resnicks and The Wonderful Company have committed more than USD $2.5 billion in philanthropy and corporate social responsibility efforts globally, focusing on education, health and wellness, affordable housing, infrastructure, the arts, and sustainability.
Since its launch in 2007, the FIJI Water Foundation has invested over FJD $35 million in community development, access to safe water, education, health and wellness, and environmental sustainability.