NGO to help soil health in 4 villages

FRIEND Fiji has been working with four villages in Nacula, Yasawa, to improve soil health through their food security program.

With the rise in food and fuel prices, the NGO has engaged villagers within the district to assist in self-sustainable projects to ensure they were able to support themselves.

Led by FRIEND Fiji chief executive officer Sashi Kiran, a team from the non-profit organisation met with elders from Nacula, Naisili, Navotua and Malakati and concerns on the rise in fuel prices and how it made it difficult for villagers to travel to Viti Levu was discussed.

“There is heavy reliance on processed foods,” the NGO said.

“Elders have asked for assistance with improving soil to help grow vegetables organically for human and ocean health.”

According to the NGO, local producer Fung’s Farm had been contracted to facilitate training in each of the villages to help improve soil health using local resources as well as demonstrate pest management.

“Villagers who register to improve their food security will be provided with wide variety of seeds for nutrition diversity.”

Nacula district spokeswoman Lavenia Naivalu said despite inclement weather, the villagers were grateful that Ms Kiran made the journey to meet with them.

Ms Kiran said she was grateful they made the trip to the Nacula District and said it was encouraging to see how elders were concerned about the future and how they had embraced the food security program.

Food security in the Yasawa Islands is part of FRIEND’s initiative in partnership with the University of Exeter and University of the South Pacific PaCE program to study the impact of food security efforts in the maritime zone.