Midnight in Sawanikula is often a flurry of activity for the local women farmers, who find themselves embarking on a challenging journey to the Suva market. As the clock strikes twelve, they load bundles of dalo and yaqona into an already packed truck, beginning their trip that is vital for their families’ livelihoods. This routine, while taxing, has become an accepted part of life for many, as the work is essential for their financial stability.
Mariana Rerekula, 42, has dedicated over two decades to farming in Sawanikula Village. Although she only began making regular trips to Suva in 2023, the challenges she faces remain largely unchanged. “Sometimes we don’t even sleep waiting for a ride,” Mariana shared, illustrating the hardships of her routine. The carrier departs at midnight, often crowded, turning the journey into a struggle for comfort and space. Once at the market, vendors are frequently forced into competition for limited selling spots, leading to tension among sellers.
The work goes beyond the time spent at the market. Mariana and her family depend heavily on their farm, where they cultivate crops such as yaqona, dalo, cassava, and vudi. The growth cycle for these crops can take years for yaqona and several months for dalo, demanding patience and hard work before they bear fruit. “Yaqona takes five or six years to grow; dalo takes about eight months to a year,” Mariana explained, underscoring the commitment required in farming.
The journey to transport produce from the farm to the carrier is often overlooked. Horses are the preferred method for moving goods, but when unavailable, the farmers must carry their harvest on foot, sometimes for long distances. River conditions also play a crucial role, as heavy rain can impede their ability to cross and delay their travels to the market.
Even on successful days, the market offers challenging conditions. The wet weather can turn selling areas muddy and uncomfortable, yet vendors still have to pay for space despite the circumstances. Mariana noted, “Sometimes when we come to the market and it’s raining, it’s very dirty, but we make do.” The uncertainty of unsold produce adds another layer of stress, with some vendors needing to stay overnight in Suva to manage their unsold goods, creating additional burdens on household finances.
Despite these hardships, Mariana’s resilience shines through as she acknowledges the rewarding days when sales go well. These glimmers of success not only fulfill her family’s needs but also contribute to communal responsibilities within her village. For her and many others in a similar situation, the hard work at the market reflects their dedication to improving their lives, demonstrating a profound sense of responsibility toward their families and communities.
The stories of Mariana and her peers mirror those of other women across Fiji, who despite facing obstacles such as transportation difficulties and market competition, continue their work with determination and hope. Vendors like Vani Sulua have also expressed similar challenges in navigating the Wainimala River to reach their markets, further emphasizing the resilience of women in farming and selling across the region. Community support and a shared commitment to providing for their families unite these women, illustrating the strength found in perseverance and cooperation even amidst adversity.