At the age of 49, Elenoa Daunivalu has transformed a piece of land in Votualevu, Nadi, into a beacon of hope and empowerment for women.

Her journey into organic farming and value-adding business has been fueled by her passion, resilience, and commitment to making a difference in her community.

Elenoa's love for farming and the soil began at a very young age. In December 2019, she took a significant step towards realizing her dreams by purchasing a 9-acre piece of land and started planting cash crops.

"Farming has always been my passion, and turning this land into an organic farm is a dream come true. It's about more than just growing crops; it's about nurturing the environment and creating a sustainable future," she smiled.

With a vision to develop an organic farm and promote value-adding practices, she set out on a challenging yet rewarding journey.

"My aim has always been to make women self-reliant. We have the power to achieve our own dreams and contribute to our communities," she said.

The Tabusuka farm is not just about cultivation; it embodies conservation and sustainability. Elenoa preserved native trees and planted fruit trees, vetiver, and pineapple to create a balanced ecosystem.

Her dedication to the environment is evident in every aspect of her farm. However, the journey was not without its obstacles.

Elenoa invested substantial resources in land clearing, ploughing, and other preparations. Despite the financial strain and the theft of farm products, she remained undeterred.

Instead, these challenges only fueled her determination to find innovative solutions and continue her mission. In 2022, Elenoa launched her value-adding business and named it Elley's Homemade.

This venture allowed her to explore her creativity and passion for experimentation.

"Launching Elley's Homemade was a way to turn challenges into opportunities. I wanted to create something unique and delicious from what we grow on the farm," she said.

She crafted various products, including assorted tamarind chutneys, kumquat and guava jams, red pepper chutney, and tomato relish to name a few, most of which are made from produce grown on her farm.

Each product reflects her commitment to quality and innovation. Elenoa's mission extends beyond her farm and has been instrumental in encouraging women around her to pursue their own ventures.

She believes that while women play a supportive role in their families, they also have the potential to achieve their dreams and contribute to their communities. The theft of farm products, which could have been a setback, became an opportunity for Elenoa to empower her resources and grow further.

She advises women across Fiji to overcome such challenges by continuing to innovate in farming and other ventures.

"Even when faced with theft and financial strain, I never gave up. I saw these challenges as chances to innovate and grow. It's all about resilience and perseverance."

Looking ahead, Elenoa has ambitious plans for her farm. She envisions transforming it into an adventure farm, incorporating sustainable land management practices and value-adding elements like citrus plants.

Her commitment to creating a sustainable and thriving farm community continues to drive her forward.

"Empowering women is at the heart of everything I do. I encourage women to take the initiative and pursue their own ventures. We are more than just helpers; we are capable of achieving great things," she said.

Her journey and success so far is a powerful reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference, one person can create ripples of positive change. Her story of transforming a piece of land into a hub of organic farming and empowerment serves as an inspiration to all.

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