Petero Maciu, a 21-year-old from Nawi village in Cakaudrove, is encouraging young people to use empty land in their communities to build sustainable livelihoods. Having started farming at a young age, he now manages over five acres of clan land, where he cultivates yaqona, root crops, and vegetables.
Mr. Maciu expressed his gratitude to his father, Sakapo Tui, for motivating him to grow crops. He quoted, “My father always encouraged me to make use of the land to have a better living.” He believes it is essential to return to traditional agricultural practices, stating, “It’s time we return to what our forefathers did, using the land and eating from their sweat, rather than relying on others for food.”
Despite stopping his education after Class Eight, Mr. Maciu does not regret his decision. “I don’t want to go back to school because what I get from the land is more than what I would receive from continuing my education,” he noted. His dedication to farming has yielded substantial benefits, with his first yaqona harvest in 2023 netting him over $11,000.
He markets his produce, including yaqona, cassava, dalo, and bananas, at the Labasa Market, where yaqona is sold for $70 to $80 per kilogram. Mr. Maciu emphasized that success is rooted in sacrifice and hard work, explaining that he often walks five kilometers to his farm and frequently stays there overnight to maximize his time.
“Despite the distance, I never gave up. I believe if all Fijians, especially iTaukei, make use of the land, it could solve many problems in Fiji, such as poverty,” he remarked. His agricultural earnings have enabled him to support his family, invest in farming tools, and even celebrate his birthday.
“I turned 21 in March, and to surprise my family, I bought two cows and invited the villagers to celebrate my birthday,” he shared. Recently, he acquired a twin cab vehicle to facilitate the transportation of his crops to the market.
Looking ahead, Mr. Maciu plans to build his own house, purchase land in town, and buy a tractor to enhance his farming operations. He encourages young people with idle time to embrace agriculture, stating, “If you have nothing to do, make use of your time and plant the land. You will reap the rewards in due season. We have to honour God daily, who is the source of strength in our life.”