The Ministry for Agriculture has actively engaged with the communities of Kadavu, offering renewed hope to villages reliant on farming and tourism. Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna recently visited Dravuni Village in the Ono District, part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods and safeguarding vital crops in the outer islands.
During the visit, the Minister distributed coconut seedlings to replace aging trees, a move that directly supports families whose income is intertwined with community-based tourism. Local resident Latileta Qoli expressed the significance of this initiative, noting that many of their coconut trees were planted by their ancestors and have now reached the end of their productive life.
Speaking in Fijian, Qoli remarked, “I believe the reason these coconut seedlings were brought here was to help us with our tourism because most of the coconut trees we have here were planted by our ancestors. I don’t know if the youths here have ever planted any coconut seedlings or not.”
The introduction of these seedlings is anticipated to not only bolster the tourism industry but also to empower women in the community through coconut oil production and village enterprises. Qoli highlighted the dual benefits of the seedlings, stating, “I know the coconut seedlings brought today will be very beneficial for us. They will be used for our tourism sector, and also for us ladies, we will be making oil from it.”
This initiative serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to rural development, offering a sustainable path forward for the residents of Kadavu. By fostering both agricultural regeneration and supporting local entrepreneurship, the project aims to create a vibrant economic ecosystem that will benefit future generations.
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