Rise Beyond the Reef Women Receive Cassava Processing Machines to Boost Rural Livelihoods

Nadi, Fiji – In a move to empower women, promote sustainable agriculture, and boost rural livelihoods, Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Vatimi Rayalu distributed cassava processing machines to the Rise Beyond the Reef women’s group.

Celebrating Women and Agriculture

The handover, coinciding with International Women’s Day 2024 themed “Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress,” marks a significant step forward for the Ministry’s commitment to women’s empowerment in rural communities. Funded under the Ministry’s Commercial Agricultural Development Programme (CADP), the $39,000 cassava processing machines aim to:

• Enhance the cassava production value chain.
• Increase efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses.
• Generate income opportunities for women farmers.

Rise Beyond the Reef: Empowering Women Through Training and Market Exploration

The non-profit organization, Rise Beyond the Reef, has played a crucial role in supporting these women. Through the FO4ACP and PIRAS projects, they trained over 800 women in cassava flour production and explored local and international markets for the past two years. Additionally, the IFAD-funded project assisted farmers in land preparation for cassava, turmeric, and vanilla across several islands.

Cassava Flour: A Strategic Crop with Market Potential

The project specifically focuses on cassava flour production due to its vast potential and market opportunities. With increased production capacity, Rise Beyond the Reef aims to establish a strong presence in both local and export markets for Fijian cassava flour.

Honoring Government’s Commitment to Rural Development

Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting rural development through various initiatives. These include funding cassava flour machines for women’s groups and promoting self-sufficiency in rural schools through dairy and fruit production programs.

Reducing Reliance on Imports: Cassava as a Viable Alternative

Highlighting Fiji’s high wheat import bill, Hon. Rayalu stressed the importance of cassava as a domestically produced alternative. Cassava’s adaptability to various soil types and readily available planting materials make it a strategic crop for reducing reliance on imports.

Temalesi Vere: A Voice of Excitement and Opportunity

Temalesi Vere, a 49-year-old participant from Verevere Village, expressed her excitement about utilizing the new machines and kickstarting cassava flour production in her village. This initiative will benefit eight villages within the Tikina of Nakorotubu, empowering women to generate income for their families and contribute to the local market.

Cassava Flour: A Gluten-Free Option for the Fijian Food Industry

Cassava flour, a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour, holds immense potential in the Fijian food industry. The Minister reiterated the significance of agriculture as the backbone of Fiji’s economy, emphasizing its role in food security, nutrition, and exports.

This collaborative effort between the government, NGOs, and rural communities promises a brighter future for Fijian agriculture and rural economic empowerment.