US$25 million Be-Green project launched in Cakaudrove

The people of the Navatu District in Cakaudrove, are expected to benefit from the US$25 million Blue Economy and Green Community Development Programme (Be-Green), aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.

The programme, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), was launched at Koronatoga Village in Cakaudrove yesterday.

IFAD Associate Vice-President for the Department of Country Operations Donal Brown said the programme would promote inclusive rural development and economic growth.

Mr Brown said investing in small-scale farmers would strengthen their capacity to produce high-value crops such as cocoa, rice, copra and other commodities.

He said supporting farmers from production through processing and marketing would enable them to earn better incomes and improve their livelihoods.

"This project marks the renewed commitment to the people of Vanua Levu and Fiji through development pathways that recognises the economic growth, climate resilience and environment stewardship were inter-related."

Mr Brown said Fiji possessed rich natural resources, deep cultural knowledge, strong communities and entrepreneurial farmers and fishers.

"The Be-Green project is designed to support sustainable growth resilience in Fiji's rural economy, to improve ecosystem management, climate resilient production, stronger market access and biodiversity protection," he said.

He said IFAD would provide technical and financial support to help farmers diversify into high-value crops, including cocoa, copra and rice.

"The government was keen to do more on livelihood development opportunities in this area and island," Mr Brown said.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the project would strengthen subsistence and semi-commercial farming.

Mr Rabuka said rural communities would be less reliant on processed food by diversifying into a wider range of crops.

"We cherish this partnership with IFAD because it gives importance to enhancing the lives of its rural population."

'Game changer' for village

Koronatoga Village headman Epeli Tumomo welcomed the project, describing its launch as one of the happiest moments for the community.

Mr Tumomo said the programme would be a "game changer", helping redirect young people from marijuana cultivation to high-value legal crops.

The village currently focuses on yaqona, cassava and copra farming, but plans to use IFAD's support to explore cocoa and rice production.

He said the project would create economic opportunities for women, young people and men across the community.

Programme rollout

The first phase of the Be-Green programme is funded with US$6 million, with additional support from the Global Environment Facility.

A second phase will provide a further US$7 million as the programme expands.

There are also plans to extend the initiative to other districts in Vanua Levu.