October 2025
Nadi, Fiji – October 31st, 2025 – Pacific Farmer Organisations (PFO) recently concluded a successful two-day Go Digital Pacific (GDP) training at South Sea Orchids in Nadi. Led by trainer Merewalesi Bogi Rokosawa, the program provided 20 local entrepreneurs with the essential digital tools needed to scale their businesses in the modern economy.
Bridging the Digital Divide
The training addressed a critical gap: while most participants already owned smartphones with pre-installed business and social media apps, many were not utilizing them due to a lack of technical knowledge. Through a combination of practical demonstrations and one-on-one instruction, participants gained the confidence to move their operations into the digital space.
Key Training Highlights
- Digital Tools for Agribusiness (Day 1): Participants explored the “Google box of dots,” mastering tools such as Gmail, Google Drive, Sheets, and Forms to streamline farm management and record-keeping.
- AI-Driven Efficiency: A standout feature was the introduction of Gemini AI, which participants used to draft professional communications and create detailed business profiles.
- Digital Tools for Tourism (Day 2): The second day focused on the tourism sector, including essential campaign planning to attract broader audiences.
- Localized Learning: To ensure maximum impact, the curriculum was adapted to the local context, using specific examples from beekeeping and floristry, and incorporating i-taukei language translations for clarity.
Success Stories from the Field
The impact of the training was immediate. One participant successfully used Gemini AI to draft a professional email to a supplier during the session. Another was so inspired that she established her Google Business Profile the very same evening, eager to use her new skills to tell the story of her agribusiness.
“All this time these tools were in our phones and we were carrying it around, now we know how to use it.” > — Dr. Dean, Training Participant
Looking Ahead
Following the success in Nadi, PFO recommends expanding these training sessions to remote and rural areas in Ba and Sigatoka, where the need for digital literacy among market vendors and small businesses remains high. Future sessions are proposed for evening hours to better accommodate the busy schedules of local farmers and working professionals