Petero Maciu, a 21-year-old from Nawi village in Cakaudrove, is urging young people to take advantage of unused land in their communities to foster sustainable livelihoods.
Mr. Maciu began farming at a young age and has successfully cultivated more than five acres of clan land with yaqona, root crops, and vegetables. He credits his father, Sakapo Tui, for motivating him to make the most of their land.
“My father always encouraged me to utilize the land for a better life,” Mr. Maciu stated. He believes it is time to embrace traditional practices by using the land for sustenance instead of depending on external food sources.
He has no regrets about leaving school after Class Eight. “I don’t wish to go back to school because the income I generate from the land surpasses what I might earn with further education,” he explained.
Focusing on farming has proven lucrative for Mr. Maciu, who reported that his inaugural yaqona harvest in 2023 yielded over $11,000. He sells his goods, including yaqona, cassava, dalo, and bananas, at the Labasa Market, where yaqona fetches prices between $70 to $80 per kilogram.
He stressed the importance of hard work and determination, noting that he often walks five kilometers to his farm and stays overnight to optimize his time. “Even with the distance, I persevered. I believe if all Fijians, especially iTaukei, utilize the land, it can help alleviate various issues in Fiji, such as poverty,” he said.
His earnings have enabled him to support his family, invest in farming equipment, and even celebrate his birthday. “I turned 21 in March and surprised my family by buying two cows and inviting the villagers to my birthday celebration,” he shared.
Recently, Mr. Maciu also acquired a twin cab to facilitate crop transport to the market. His future ambitions include building his own house, purchasing land in town, and buying a tractor to improve his farming operations.
His message to the youth is clear: “If you find yourself with idle time, make use of it by planting on the land. You will enjoy the rewards in due time. We must honor God daily, who is the source of strength in our lives.”