At 60 years old, Litea Matavesi embodies the spirit of resilience and commitment as she runs a farm with her husband in the interior of Naitasiri. Raised in Samabula, Suva, Litea grew up in a family that harmonized urban living with a deep-rooted tradition of farming.
Litea recalls her father’s dual role as a farmer and taxi driver, noting that he was one of the first Fijian men to operate a taxi from a supermarket base. Her mother contributed by weaving and selling handicrafts to tourists. Litea herself took charge of a family shop during her childhood.
She began her education at the Assemblies of God Primary School, later pursuing her studies at The Fiji Institute of Technology and the University of the South Pacific, where she earned a double major in Management in Public Administration and IT. Despite these academic successes, her passion for farming, sparked by childhood experiences with her father, remained strong.
With six siblings, Litea learned the importance of teamwork and hard work. She fondly remembers climbing rooftops and aiding in home maintenance, gaining a practical understanding of sustainability. Her father’s teachings emphasized the necessity of being prepared for any situation, especially for women in Fiji, highlighting that farming skills could be crucial if one were to marry into a village.
After marrying a schoolteacher, Litea transitioned from city life to a rural setting in the village. She quickly adapted, choosing to focus on farming while her husband worked as a headteacher. Now retired, the couple enjoys the tranquility of their 10-acre farm in Lomaivuna, Naitasiri.
The transition to village life was seamless for Litea, largely due to the lessons instilled by her father. Over the years, she has transformed their modest farm into a successful agricultural venture, showcasing her dedication and hard work. However, farming poses its challenges, including water supply issues for their poultry farm, which require innovative solutions.
Litea emphasizes that being a farmer demands time and sacrifice. Her advice to the younger generation is to work diligently, set realistic goals, and maintain their faith. She believes there is no substitute for hard work and that the rewards of sacrifices are truly rewarding.