Women’s group leads rural development drive across Ba

The Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba (SSViT Ba) is spearheading major community development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening resilience across Ba Province, with a strong focus on empowering women.

Working in partnership with government ministries, donor agencies, and local community groups, SSViT Ba is implementing projects that target climate resilience, livelihood development, and education.

Among its key environmental initiatives is the Yavusania Riverbank Rehabilitation Project, which addresses frequent flooding through the construction of groyne walls and riverbank stabilisation using vegetation.

In Marou Village, coastal erosion is also being tackled in collaboration with the Ministry of Waterways.

Livelihood programmes are helping women farmers in Savatu, Magodro, and Vaturu through financial literacy training, cooperative registration, and agricultural guidance. In the highland districts, women are supported in turmeric farming and livestock production, including cattle, goats, and sheep.

However, many farmers continue to face challenges, particularly low and inconsistent farm-gate prices. Turmeric farmers often receive between $1 and $1.20 per bag from middlemen.

To address this, SSViT Ba is working with government partners to strengthen farmers’ organisational capacity and financial management skills.

Through the Pasifika WE-Guardians Women Entrepreneurs Project, SSViT Ba collaborates with Alinea International in Bukuya, Tabalei, and Natawa villages.

The initiative includes establishing turmeric farms, diversifying crops, and exploring eco-tourism opportunities to broaden income sources.

SSViT Ba is also addressing social challenges through its Empowerment through Education Project, supported by Bread for the World. The pilot programme operates in Naviti, Sabeto, and Savatu districts and aims to reintegrate out-of-school youth into formal or vocational education.

Baseline surveys conducted across 21 villages interviewed 4,345 people and identified 425 school-aged children not attending school. To date, 200 young people have been supported to enrol in formal or informal education programmes.

These initiatives are being delivered under the leadership of SSViT Ba president Adi Sivia Qoro, whose organisation continues to champion inclusive development and community resilience across the province.