Fiji’s kava industry, valued in the millions, is encountering significant hurdles as new research reveals an aging farming demographic, raising concerns about the future of this vital sector. Andrew Tukana, the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, pointed out that recent surveys conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that the average age of kava farmers in Fiji is approximately 66 to 67 years. This demographic shift raises serious concerns about the potential labor shortage in a sector already grappling with challenges such as disease, land constraints, and deteriorating soil quality.
Although the kava industry has experienced notable growth over the past 20 years, Dr. Tukana cautioned that sustaining current production levels may become increasingly difficult without an influx of younger farmers. Kava’s evolution from a subsistence crop to a significant cash crop has driven a rise in demand, both locally and internationally, which has resulted in heightened commercial production.
To address these challenges, PHAMA Manager David Hicks has announced the launch of a Kava Dieback Disease Communication Package. This initiative seeks to equip farmers with essential training and resources, representing a proactive approach to better prepare them for the future. The communication kit aims to provide clear, practical guidance for all stakeholders involved in the kava industry.
Dr. Tukana underscores the importance of ongoing collaboration between the government, industry partners, farmers, and researchers in order to ensure the sustainability of the kava sector. He believes that collective efforts are crucial to tackling the pressing challenges this essential agricultural industry faces. By building a stronger workforce and adapting to evolving challenges, there is optimism about the future success of Fiji’s kava farmers.