Unity powers new cooperatives in Lekanai village

In Lekanai Village on Gau Island, a quiet shift toward self-reliance is taking shape as villagers organise themselves into two cooperatives to strengthen their economic future.

Women and men in the community have formed separate cooperatives, each focusing on its strengths while working toward the shared goal of improving livelihoods.

The 24-member women’s group has registered the Miramira ni Savura Lele Women’s Cooperative, formalising years of informal collaboration.

The group began with mat weaving before expanding into layer poultry farming with support from the Fiji Government. Their registration in November has strengthened their plans for growth.

Cooperative chairperson Tirisa Maibau said formal recognition had boosted morale and sharpened the group’s ambitions.

“With registration, we are more confident and focused,” she said.

The cooperative now plans to expand its flock to 200 birds and position itself as a key egg supplier on Gau Island.

Meanwhile, the men have formed the Vatuvula Cooperative, focusing on establishing a village shop.

The shop aims to improve access to essential goods while reducing reliance on businesses outside Lekanai, allowing more money to circulate within the community.

Village members say operating through separate cooperatives was a deliberate decision, allowing each group to focus on its priorities while contributing collectively to development.

Momentum has also been strengthened by Lekanai’s selection as a pilot site for the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s Rural Housing Scheme 3 initiative.

Residents view the selection as both recognition and responsibility.

For the women, cooperative registration represents more than formal paperwork. It opens doors to funding opportunities, development programmes and greater participation in decision-making.

Together, the two cooperatives reflect a grassroots model of rural progress — distinct in focus but united in purpose — as Lekanai works toward economic resilience and sustainability.