Every week, before dawn illuminates Nairukurukuru in the Naitasiri province, Raijeli Vuniwaqa gears up for a journey that has defined her life for over a decade. Initially, she sold her produce at the Nausori Market, but after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she transitioned to the Suva Municipal Market.
Mrs. Vuniwaqa’s dedication sees her making the trip at least three times a week, typically from Wednesday to Friday, though sometimes she only sells on Fridays and Saturdays. Each excursion involves packing bags of fresh fruits, vegetables, and farm produce, as she travels from her village to Suva with a strong resolve to earn an income and provide for her family through honest labor.
She is among the many rural women who depend on small-scale farming and market vending for their livelihoods. While her routine can be rigorous, Mrs. Vuniwaqa takes pride in her commitment. “This is not easy work, but farming and selling at the market is what helps us survive,” she explains.
The journey from Naitasiri to Suva presents significant challenges, not just in terms of time and money but also logistics. Unreliable public transport and the burden of carrying heavy produce over long distances strain her physically and mentally. “Sometimes the bus is full, sometimes it’s late, but you still have to come. If you don’t sell, you don’t earn,” she states matter-of-factly.
Upon arriving in the capital, competition intensifies in the bustling Suva Municipal Market. “Dozens of vendors from various provinces line the stalls selling similar produce,” Mrs. Vuniwaqa notes, pointing out the fluctuations in prices that depend on supply, weather conditions, and customer demand. On good days, sales are steady, but on slower days, much of her produce can go unsold. “There are days when you go home tired and with very little money, but you cannot give up after one bad day.”
Weather conditions consistently pose another difficulty. Heavy rains can destroy crops back home, diminishing her market offerings, while extreme heat not only affects the freshness of her products but also makes standing or sitting for hours a grueling experience. “When it rains too much, crops get spoiled. When it’s too hot, you struggle to sit all day,” she recounts.
Through all these hardships, Mrs. Vuniwaqa remains steadfast in her routine, knowing that her farming and market ventures are her family’s primary source of income. Like many rural households, her earnings cover essential daily expenses, children’s school supplies, and unexpected bills. She emphasizes that her livelihood relies entirely on her daily sales, devoid of a fixed salary, making her commitment to work even more crucial.
Each day’s earnings shape her family’s life, underscoring the necessity of consistent hard work for survival. Mrs. Vuniwaqa takes pride in providing fresh, locally grown produce for families and encourages other women to actively support their households. She highlights the numerous opportunities available for women to earn additional income and contribute to their family’s financial stability.
Raijeli Vuniwaqa’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination, showcasing the vital role that small-scale farmers and market vendors play in their communities. Her story serves as inspiration for many, affirming that despite challenges, hard work and perseverance can yield significant rewards in nurturing families and communities.
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