The Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna has called on the women of Vatukuca Village in Vaturova, Cakaudrove to embrace preparedness and resilience as they take ownership of their newly established climate-smart garden.

Speaking at the official handing-over ceremony, the Assistant Minister emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture and proactive community development, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering rural communities through innovative farming techniques.

The climate-smart garden, now fully established in the village, is the result of a week-long Climate-Smart Agriculture training, which was conducted under the Save the Children Fiji's KOICA-funded project, Women in At-Risk Communities Have Increased Resilience Through Economic and Social Empowerment.

The training was implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Land Resources Planning and Development (LRPD) department, ensuring participants received expert guidance on sustainable agricultural practices tailored to Fiji’s unique environmental conditions.

The Honourable Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways has commended Save the Children Fiji for its dedication to supporting rural interior communities, recognizing the organization’s commitment to climate resilience and economic empowerment.

As part of a broader initiative to enhance community resilience, Vatukuca Village will receive a newly built evacuation center through a separate component of this same project, implemented by KOICA, IOM, and the Commissioner Northern Office.

This facility will provide a safe and secure space for residents during emergencies, ensuring the community is better prepared to respond to natural disasters and other crises.

Save the Children Fiji is responsible for the software component of this initiative, focusing on capacity building and resilience through targeted trainings.

“At Save the Children Fiji, our mission is to ensure that vulnerable communities especially women are equipped with the knowledge and resources to prepare for future challenges. While the infrastructure component, such as the new evacuation center, is critical, building human capacity through training and skills is also important. Our role is to ensure that these communities are not only ready but also empowered to thrive,” said Save the Children Fiji’s Project Officer (North), Ashneel Kumar.

Throughout the training, women engaged in practical sessions focused on soil conservation, efficient water use, crop diversification, and organic farming techniques, all designed to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

During his address, the Assistant Minister applauded the women for their dedication and perseverance, urging them to continue applying the techniques learned during training and to cultivate a mindset of preparedness in all aspects of their lives.

“Sustainable agriculture is not just about farming, it’s about ensuring that communities can withstand environmental challenges and remain self-sufficient,” he stated.

He encouraged the women to share their knowledge within the community, fostering a collaborative approach to resilience and food security.

The Climate-Smart Agriculture program with broader national efforts to promote agricultural sustainability, combat the effects of climate change, and enhance rural economic development.

With Fiji’s agricultural sector facing increasing challenges due to extreme weather patterns, initiatives like this provide vital support to at-risk communities, ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to adapt.

By empowering women to take active leadership in agricultural development, the program contributes to gender equality and long-term community progress.

As Vatukuca Village looks to the future, the women involved in the project remain committed to expanding their climate-smart farming practices and ensuring the continued success of their garden.

Their efforts will serve as a model for other communities, demonstrating the transformative impact of sustainable agriculture when paired with strong community collaboration and government support.

This initiative reinforces Save the Children Fiji's mission to empower women, strengthen food security, and enhance climate resilience across Fiji.

ENDS

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