The Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna, while speaking to the senior staff of the ministry at the Post-Budget workshop today, highlighted the importance of aligning budgets with the project cycle and ensuring transparent and strategic implementation across all sectors.

Hon. Tunabuna emphasized the importance of budget planning and adjustment as key components that directly influence the project cycle, from identification through monitoring and evaluation.

“When we prepare budgets and receive allocated funds, we must adjust and align our plans accordingly. The project cycle planning, implementation, and evaluation must remain at the centre of our approach,” he stated.

Hon. Tunabuna emphasized that monitoring and evaluation need to be incorporated at the divisional level.

He added that proper evaluation not only measures progress but also informs future project identification and improvements.

The two-day workshop will focus on reviewing funding outcomes following the Ministry of Finance’s budget decisions, re-prioritizing activities, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

The Assistant Minister called for transparency, active participation, and shared accountability among all stakeholders, including ministries, Non-government organizations, and funding agencies.

He also stressed the need to address food importation in the tourism sector, highlighting the opportunity to connect local agriculture with tourism.

“Tourists don’t come to Fiji to eat food they find in their countries. We must proudly offer our local delicacies and reduce our dependence on imported foods,” he said.

Hon. Tunabuna reminded the staff to communicate the workshop’s outcomes clearly, both within the ministry and to the communities benefiting from government-funded projects.

He also urged participants to create clear timelines, monitor performance indicators, and ensure alignment with climate adaptation goals and government priorities.

“We’re tasked not only with planning but also with making a difference for our field staff and all Fijians,” said Hon. Tunabuna.

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