Fiji’s Agriculture Minister, Tomasi Tunabuna, has raised urgent alarms regarding the aging demographic within the country’s farming sector and the necessity to attract more young individuals to agriculture. In recent speeches, he expressed concerns that many Fijians perceive farming primarily as a “last option,” a viewpoint that, if not addressed, could threaten the nation’s food security and rural development efforts.
Tunabuna highlighted that a significant number of young Fijians see farming as merely subsistence work, which poses a risk to the sustainability of agricultural practices. He emphasized the need for training programs aimed at empowering the youth to replace older farmers, ensuring a continuous and local food supply. “We need to train our young farmers to replace the old farmers,” he declared, calling for a change in the perception of agriculture among the younger generation.
To combat this issue, the government is channeling resources into agricultural training programs and business support for youth. The minister underscored that farming should not only be viewed as a means of livelihood but as a profitable business crucial for Fiji’s food security and economic stability. He asserted that with investment in local production, the country could easily provide its population with quality, affordable food.
Recognizing the importance of attracting and retaining young farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside community organizations, is advocating for a shift in how agriculture is perceived by younger generations. This aligns with previous sentiments expressed by officials, including former Agriculture Minister Vatimi Rayalu, who emphasized the importance of empowering youth through adequate training and resources.
Promising initiatives, including community programs and climate-resilient agricultural practices, are beginning to make headway in engaging young individuals in farming. Current discussions reflect a collective commitment to revitalizing Fiji’s agricultural landscape. By investing in the next generation of farmers, Fiji has the opportunity to enhance local food production while fostering a sense of pride and connection to the land among its youth, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable and secure agricultural future.