A team from the Philippines are in Fiji for a study tour with Fijian partners as part of the project, Landcare; an agricultural extension and community development model at the district and national scale in Fiji.  

The four-year research project (2021-2025) funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) stems from Research undertaken in Mindanao, Philippines has highlighted how certain types of community-based extension principles can rapidly enhance agricultural livelihoods by improving farmer-based learning networks. 

This research led to the development of an extension model known as Livelihood Improvement through Facilitated Extension (LIFE). LIFE draws from Land care based approaches based on the notion that caring for the land and water is underpinned by community empowerment and collective action.  

The Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Vatimi Rayalu while addressing the delegations said that this is one of the many ACIAR support programs that are being implemented through the Ministry, which is subject to the provisions of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Australia and the Government of Fiji in Suva in 1995. 

He said Fiji appreciates the fact that this can be adapted from one country context to another to facilitate improved climate change resilience, management of natural resources, agricultural productivity and gender equality. 

“Fiji has a very close tie with the natural resources and our diverse culture, beliefs and doings are embedded in the land our ancestors set foot on. The local approach known as “Solesolevaki” (working together as a group) was used by the community to empower and act collectively to care for the land and water,” said the Hon. Minister. 

He said cluster farming groups are established to continue to enhance this concept, where farmers or community members work together and aspire for the same goals. 

“The Government of Fiji strongly upholds partnership through action, and the research from the Landcare approach using the LIFE model will definitely test and refine an agricultural extension model for the climate-vulnerable areas in Fiji.” 

The Philippines and Fiji are highly compatible for cross-country activity with mutually intelligible cultural and social values, farming practices, land and water challenges and climate change impacts, therefore, the study tour presents an opportunity for building partnerships between Fiji and the Philippines through cross-country networking, knowledge and skill sharing.  

Fiji was selected for this research project on evidence of Landcare and forms of Landcare observed during a previous study of the adaptation/adoption of Landcare globally. These observations were supported through an ongoing dialogue, over two years, with the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture, community organisations, key individuals and Non-Government Organisations. 

The delegation is in Fiji from 16 to 25 April and will work with the Fiji National University, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and the Teitei Taveuni project teams. 

-Ends- 

• ← Go to all Press Releases