Bua’s paramount chief Ratu Namakutu Nagagavoka extended his appreciation to ADRA Fiji for carrying out development work in implementing recovery and rehabilitation program in the province after the devastation caused by tropical cyclones Yasa and Ana.
He made the remarks this week at the handing over of the demo farm, agricultural kits and other project materials in Tiliva village, marking an end to the Strengthening Early Recovery for Food Security and Livelihood (SERFSAL) project funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade with support from World Vision New Zealand.
He said implementation of development and sustainable livelihood program is rare in the province thus they are grateful to have been assisted by ADRA Fiji through their SERFSAL project to help them recover from the cyclone and also taught them various valuable lessons to build a resilient province.
ADRA Fiji Country Director Iliapi Tuwai said they are aware of the vulnerabilities of the province and they are now focusing on development work in the area.
Meanwhile, the handover was to ensure sustainability of the project. A similar handover was made in Vativa village in Wailevu, Cakaudrove.
The demonstation farm is mainly to demonstrate various agricultural techniques members of the community learned from the Agriculture & Resilience Training conducted as part of the project.
The SERFSAL project focused on:
- Reducing food insecurity and boost livelihood recovery for 20 communities in Bua, Cakaudrove and Macuata
- Enhancing income generating (cash cropping) for communal farmers
- Increasing knowledge and skills on livelihood, agriculture and improve disaster preparedness for affected communities.
Three demo farms with resilient crops have been set up in Bua, Cakaudrove and Macuata to supply other communities with cuttings & vines for planting. Rooting plant cuttings such as kumala vines and dalo tops (among others) were shipped across to Vanua Levu from Viti Levu and nearby islands to help rebuild these communities.
Photo: ADRA Fiji
