Barter system has been a lifesaver for more than 400 people living on Nasowata settlement outside Lautoka City for the past year.
Settlement headman Tomasi Seru said most breadwinners lost their work when the COVID-19 pandemic hit a year ago and they had since relied solely on the sea for their source of daily living.
“Barter system has been a real lifesaving technique for most families in the community because it has enabled them to put food on the table and foot bills for their daily living,” Mr Seru said.
“Most of these people were working until this sickness hit last year and we have had to rely on our natural surroundings to support our families during this time of need.
“We thank Barter for Better Fiji for coming up with such an initiative which has allowed people to be creative and continue providing for their families.”
Mr Seru said the community was located around the Lautoka coastlines and the barter system had provided relief for 86 families on the settlement through exchanges with families living in urban Lautoka who needed fish.
Residents have also shown appreciation to the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND) Fiji for providing them with basic food items this week.
