In Navunisole Village, Tailevu, Elesi Mila and her husband Aleveo Basaga have long relied on farming as their primary source of income, primarily focusing on kava and a handful of crops. However, their approach to their agricultural work is changing, reflecting a broader shift among families in rural Fiji towards a more collaborative and empowering farming model.
This transformation is largely driven by the Family Farm Teams (FFT) initiative, which is part of the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) program, funded by Australia and New Zealand. Developed by the University of Canberra alongside the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), FFT promotes a family-centered framework that recognizes farming as a shared enterprise. By encouraging open discussions about goals, responsibilities, and future planning, FFT helps families transition from subsistence farming to more resilient and economically viable agricultural practices.
Evolving their farming techniques, Elesi and Aleveo have diversified beyond traditional crops to include a small cattle operation, poultry for meat and eggs, and a variety of vegetables for sale and home consumption. “FFT really opened our minds,” Aleveo remarked, highlighting how the program has encouraged collaborative planning and teamwork in their farming endeavors.
A notable feature of FFT is its focus on gender equality. In many Fijian households, women have traditionally been sidelined in decision-making regarding farm operations and finances. FFT confronts this issue head-on by fostering shared decision-making among family members. As Elesi shares, “We deal with the farm together now. It lightens the load and makes planning for the future much clearer.”
Another critical aspect of FFT is its emphasis on nutrition. Despite the country’s fertile land, Fiji imports a large portion of its food, contributing to health challenges linked to poor dietary quality. FFT advocates for establishing ‘kitchen gardens’ to grow vegetables, which not only leads to healthier eating habits but also reduces the household’s food expenditure, thereby allowing more resources to be allocated for education and savings.
Institutions such as the Tutu Rural Training Centre in Taveuni are adopting FFT principles into their training programs for young men, couples, and women, recognizing that effective financial planning is only possible when families have a unified approach to farming.
PHAMA Plus has played a pivotal role in scaling this initiative. By investing in people’s skills and systems rather than just providing transient support, the program aims to instill long-term resilience in Fiji’s agricultural sector. Over 1,000 households across Fiji and the Pacific have engaged in FFT training, with initial outcomes indicating a positive shift in behavior and economic stability.
Trainers like Miriama Tikoibaravi from Tutu emphasize that FFT not only benefits farmers but also enhances the capacity of those who support them. “When everyone, men, women, and children, works toward shared goals, the results are far more successful,” she states.
This partnership-based model demonstrates the power of collaboration, respect for local knowledge, and investment in communal growth, showcasing how family farming can become a channel for dignity, stability, and opportunity in Fiji. As more families embrace this approach, they are sculpting a hopeful and sustainable future, one farm plan at a time.