The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development is actively collaborating with various stakeholders to develop a new National Rural Development Policy (NRDP) aimed at better addressing the evolving needs of rural communities in Fiji. During a recent consultation in the Eastern Division, Minister Sakiasi Ditoka underscored the importance of revamping the current approach to rural development, which has shown limitations in coordination and implementation.
Established in 2009, the previous Integrated Rural Development Framework set a foundational structure but has exposed significant gaps in addressing contemporary challenges such as emerging technologies, climate risks, and systemic governmental issues. Minister Ditoka stressed the urgent need for a stronger policy that effectively mitigates these challenges affecting rural areas.
Central to this policy development is community engagement. The Minister outlined a participatory process that includes input from traditional leaders, governmental bodies, civil society, academic institutions, and international partners. This diverse engagement is designed to capture the varied needs and experiences of different communities across Fiji.
Minister Ditoka specifically addressed the ongoing difficulties faced by communities in areas such as Rotuma, Lau, Lomaiviti, and Kadavu, where isolation, high transportation and energy costs, and limited access to essential services and markets remain pressing concerns. He emphasized the necessity of tackling these issues to improve the effectiveness of rural development strategies.
The new policy, which will build upon the review of the Integrated Rural Development Framework, emphasizes a people-first, community-centered approach. Minister Ditoka encouraged participants to share their insights, both positive and negative, which will play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and coordinated rural development system that minimizes redundancies and promotes synergy across different sectors.
This ongoing two-day consultation has brought together a wide range of participants, including government agencies, state-owned enterprises, the private sector, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and local communities, all contributing their viewpoints towards Fiji’s inaugural National Rural Development Policy. The collective effort represents a promising move towards establishing a more responsive and effective framework for rural development, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by these policies are heard and integrated into the decision-making process.