In the beautiful village of Naraiyawa, nestled in Namosi, the Mataqali Rovadrau has etched a story of determination, unity, and hope.

This community’s journey began when their elders, originally from Wainimala in Naitasiri, envisioned a future built on the land—a vision grounded in securing opportunities for generations to come.

“Our qase (elders) worked hard to find a place that could support us,” recalls Kitione, one of the clan members.

“They dreamed of a future where our people could thrive.”

Their dream led to the lease of 300 acres of untouched virgin forest. Over the years, the clan transformed 200 acres of the land into fertile farmland through sheer determination and labor.

“We cleared the land ourselves, planting grass brought from Nabukavesi,” Kitione shares. “It was hard work, but we did it together—without using chemicals—because we believed in what we were building.”

Farming officially began in 2005, but the real milestone came in 2013 when the Mataqali ventured into livestock.

The journey was far from easy and with no proper roads or stockyards, they carried materials on their backs or horseback.

“We started with 25 cows, one bull, and a vision to make this a lifeline for our people,” says Kitione.

The farm has since grown to host 105 cattle, providing not just food but also hope for the entire community.

“This isn’t just about farming .It’s about legacy. Our cattle have become more than animals—they are lifelines. They help pay for our children’s education and support us in tough times. When a child needs help with school fees, the cattle are there.”

“Challenges persist, particularly with infrastructure and the farm road is our biggest obstacle,” he says.

“During the rainy season, it’s nearly impossible to transport dalo or other harvests.”

Despite this, their resilience remains strong.

Assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, under the Commercial Agriculture Development Program in the financial year 2022-2023, provided $5,000 worth of stockyard materials, which offered a much-needed boost.

“It was a team effort from the two villages, Naqarawai and Naraiyawa, who were paid to carry those materials three kilometers from the main road to the farm,” he explains. “But it brought us closer to our goals.”

Looking to the future, the Mataqali Rovadrau aspires to modernize their farm.

“We aspire to have machines, a digger, trucks—things that will make our work easier,” Kitione says.

“We’ve already secured a twin-cab and are working toward registering our farm as a business.”

The land holds more than crops and cattle—it holds the promise of a sustainable future.

“If you have land and animals, you have wealth. We want to inspire our youth to use their strength and time wisely, to dream big.”

Agriculture Assistant Dada (Livestock) Vishwesh Waran, who has worked closely with farmers in Namosi, shared his insights on the recent support provided to the Mataqali Rovadrau and its potential impact on their farming efforts.

“As a livestock officer serving in Namosi, I’ve seen the dedication and resilience of farming communities like the Mataqali Rovadrau. Their efforts in beef farming show incredible commitment, despite the challenges of working in remote areas,” he said.

“The recent provision of stockyard materials from the Ministry is a significant step forward for them, and these materials will enable the Mataqali to establish proper facilities for managing their cattle, improving efficiency, and reducing physical strain on farmers,” said Vishwesh.

“While it's just the beginning, this support lays a foundation for their operations to grow and their vision to take shape. The Ministry stands ready to continue assisting farmers like them as they build sustainable futures for their communities."

Through unity and perseverance, the Mataqali Rovadrau has turned a vision into reality, nurturing both the land and a legacy for generations to come.

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