Sera Kula, a resident of Waitolu Village in Naitasiri, is dedicated to supporting her family through her business selling sweet potatoes and other seasonal crops at the Nausori market every Friday and Saturday. She has been doing this for several years, showing remarkable determination despite the challenges she faces, as this venture serves as her family’s primary source of income.
To ensure she is well-prepared for market day, Sera travels to Nausori on Thursdays with fellow vendors, staying overnight at a space provided by the Nausori Town Council. The journey from her village is arduous, requiring a mix of transportation and long hours of travel, yet she remains unwavering in her belief that hard work and dedication are crucial for her family’s welfare.
Each week, Sera purchases around 10 bags of sweet potatoes and other crops for sale. Faced with fluctuating prices in the market, she is committed to adapting and ensuring the sustainability of her livelihood. She highlights the challenge of unpredictable crop prices, which often exceed her expectations, making it difficult to achieve a substantial profit. Sera meticulously manages her expenses and prices her goods to maintain a balance between affordability and profitability.
Her work not only supports her family but also contributes to the local economy. By selling sweet potatoes and other crops, she helps meet the nutritional needs of the community, particularly for those lacking access to fresh produce. Sera takes great pride in her role as a market vendor, recognizing the positive impact her efforts have on the lives of others.
In addition to her stall at the market, Sera’s family plays a crucial role in maintaining their plantation. With six members living together, they understand the significance of teamwork and cooperation. Sera emphasizes that their collective efforts in cultivating crops ensure a consistent supply for her market business, reinforcing their family bond and enabling them to overcome obstacles together.