Petero Maciu, a 21-year-old from Nawi village in Cakaudrove, is inspiring local youth to utilize empty lands in their communities for sustainable living. Having embraced farming from a young age, Maciu has successfully cultivated more than five acres of clan land, planting yaqona, root crops, and vegetables.
Maciu credits his father, Sakapo Tui, for motivating him to farm. “My father always encouraged me to make use of the land to have a better living,” he stated. He believes it is essential to return to traditional practices of land use for sustenance, instead of depending on external food sources.
Despite leaving school after Class Eight, Maciu has no regrets about his decision. He remarked, “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.” His commitment to farming has already paid dividends, with his initial yaqona harvest in 2023 yielding over $11,000.
Maciu sells his produce, including yaqona, cassava, dalo, and bananas, at the Labasa Market, with yaqona fetching between $70 and $80 per kilogram. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and sacrifice, expressing that he often walks five kilometers to his farm and sleeps there to maximize productivity.
“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 stated. His earnings have enabled him to support his family, invest in farming tools, and celebrate significant personal milestones.
For his 21st birthday in March, Maciu surprised his family by buying two cows and inviting the villagers to join the celebration. Recently, he also acquired a twin cab to transport his crops more efficiently to the market.
Maciu’s future plans include building a house, purchasing land in town, and acquiring a tractor to enhance his farming operations. His advice to fellow youths is clear: “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.”