Health and Food Securty – Direct from Ra.
Written by Lavenia Radiva on July 17, 2024
WOMEN IN AGRICULTRE – A SERIES.
PART ONE.
Having recently returned from the Land of Opportunity with a dream, Vasiti had hoped to be in a position to help raise the standard of living of her family
Fast forward to 2024 – that dream eventuated not only for her immediate family but to other people in her village of Drauniivi, nestled safely in the beautiful picturesque Yaqara valley in the Western Province of Ra.
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With the support of the Fiji Water Foundation, today, the Soqososo Vakamarama Tikina Makawa o Naiyalayala launched the beginning of their project to create health farms. A joint effort to harness good health, wellness and food security for all the employees of Fiji Water. They aim to supply food boxes on a weekly basis.
The Tikina Makawa Naiyalayala is on the border of Ra & Ba and is made up of Drauniivi, Togovere, Nananu, Naseyani and Rabulu. They have very active Soqosoqo Vakamarama groups who will create 2-acre farms for crops, fruits and vegetables. The women of Drauniivi launched theirs on Tuesday 16th July.
Fully supported by the Fiji Water Foundation, the women of Drauniivi started working on their farm in April and they aim to harvest the first yield of Bhindi, Kumala, Long Bean and other vegetables by September.
The other five villages of Togovere, Nananu, Rabulu, Naseyani and Vunitivi will follow suit later this year.