Twenty youths and women representatives from Waikerekere Settlement in Lami, recently attended a Food Preservation and Value Chain training that will equip them with the relevant knowledge to diversify into value-addition.

The training was made possible through collaborative efforts between Live and Learn Fiji, through the Atoll Food Futures project which is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways through its Research Division.

Atoll Food Futures Project Manager Ponijese Korovulavula said the settlement consists of families that depend on agriculture and fisheries for their livelihood.

“Waikerekere community is not exposed to value-adding and the training conducted by the Research officials, encourages them to utilise local food rather than buying from markets and also improving diet and increasing income generation,” explained Mr. Korovulavula.

“We bring the training to our vulnerable groups in the informal settlements to help them develop and diversify, engage in value-adding, process and preserve crops around them to improve and elevate their health and livelihoods, ” he said.

The training included the preparation of pineapple jam, cassava flour, and chips from cassava, dalo, yams, plantain, and breadfruit.

Youth participant Henry Hiromatsu said as a youth, the program is productive and helps him gain skills and knowledge for the future and he encourages youths to undertake training as such for future food security.

“We would like to thank Live and Learn and the Ministry for coming to our community and conducting this particular training. I have learned a lot and know that I will be able to start somewhere to earn money and of course help my family,” he smiled.

The same packaged training was conducted in Bilo and Kilikali Settlements.

-ENDS-

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