At 3 a.m., while most of Fiji remains asleep, Vani Sulua and her husband set off for the market, an essential part of their daily routine to earn a living. Navigating the darkness, they wade across the cold Wainimala River, carefully lifting sacks of root crops and vegetables above the water to keep them dry. Upon reaching the riverbank, they await transport to town, with this early morning crossing representing their only means of income.
Originally from Nasivikoso Village in Magodro, Ba, Vani now lives in Waibasaga, Wainimala, with her husband and two children. Each market day entails an arduous journey, one that starts before dawn. “I left the village at 3 a.m. to come to town to sell in the market,” she explained. The river crossing poses significant challenges, especially after rainfall, making the water deep and dangerous. With no bridge to provide a safer route, this risk is a routine part of their lives.
Once they reach the market, Vani and fellow vendors have limited time to sell their goods before their designated area becomes a car park around 9 a.m. To mitigate the risk of unsold produce spoiling, many farmers, including Vani, rapidly sell their crops in bulk. “I’ve been married for 10 years and living in Waibasaga, and I’ve witnessed the difficulties farmers face crossing the river just to secure a ride into town,” she emphasizes. The ongoing struggle for better transportation highlights the urgent need for a bridge, which has been a long-standing request from residents along the Wainimala River.
As they set up their stalls, Vani’s passion for her work is evident; she markets dalo, cassava, and other vegetables, often spending hours waiting for buyers in variable weather conditions. Unfortunately, a lack of sales sometimes forces her to stay overnight at the market, depriving her children of their mother’s presence. The motivation behind her relentless efforts is clear: “We’re here every day to support our families, to put our children through school, and to contribute to village and church fundraising needs.”
Similar stories resonate throughout Fiji, as seen with vendors like Ruci Sevodi from Matamaivere Village, who sells home-cooked goods and showcases resilience in the face of adversity. Just as Vani’s journey underscores the challenges posed by lacking infrastructure, Ruci’s story illustrates that many young people face choices between education and supporting their families. These experiences reflect broader challenges in rural communities where access to markets is crucial for sustaining livelihoods.
The commitment shown by Vani and many others in the agricultural sector highlights their determination to overcome obstacles for the sake of their families and communities. As they navigate through these daily challenges, their hard work serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that with perseverance, even the toughest circumstances can potentially lead to brighter futures. By addressing issues like transportation and access, there is hope for improvements that may eventually enrich rural livelihoods and enhance food security across Fiji.