Petero Maciu, a 21-year-old farmer from Nawi, Buca Bay, Cakaudrove, has been utilizing his land to improve his livelihood. Petero began farming at a young age, encouraged by his father, Sakapo Tui, to make the best use of the land. He lives with his five siblings in the village.
Despite only completing class eight, Petero decided to pursue farming full-time, believing in the potential benefits it could bring beyond traditional education. In 2020, he focused on cultivating his land and reducing reliance on outside help.
He grows various crops, including yaqona, dalo, jaina, niu, and other vegetables, using approximately five acres of fertile land. This year, he noted a significant harvesting of yaqona, which he sells at the Labasa market.
Petero emphasizes the importance of land use for improving living standards, selling his yaqona for $70 to $80 per kilogram. His first sales have resulted in approximately $11,000 in earnings.
Daily, he travels around five kilometers to tend to his farm. Petero remains dedicated to achieving a better life through hard work and sustainable farming practices, even occasionally resorting to simple living in the bush when necessary.
He believes that effective land use greatly contributes to his family’s welfare, having provided financial assistance for household needs, food supplies, and beverages sold as well.
In July of this year, Petero celebrated his 21st birthday by inviting local villagers to join in the festivities along with two cattle he prepared for the occasion.
Within the past two weeks, he sold a portion of his produce to streamline the use of his crops and food at the market.
Petero serves as a positive example for the youth in his community, encouraging them to utilize their time wisely in productive endeavors.
He hopes that the government will support his work and help youths establish their farms, enabling them to have the resources to start their own businesses.
Currently, Petero seeks assistance with farming equipment and food production. He is also interested in improving access roads to facilitate movement and enhance the transport of produce to the market.
Petero faces challenges such as inclement weather that often hinders his farming activities.
He encourages other youth to actively engage in farming, as there is plenty of fertile land available that should be used wisely.
He reflects on his humble beginnings, asserting the necessity of returning to their roots and wisely utilizing the land.
“Let’s abandon a life of dependency and instead listen to our elders and rely on God’s guidance in all times.”