PEOPLE | Turning struggles into strength

IN the heart of Naraiyawa Village in Namosi, far from the conveniences of urban life, Raijieli Nayara is proving that hard work, vision, and persistence can turn the toughest challenges into opportunities for success.

For many, poultry farming might seem like just another livelihood, but for Raijieli, it is a powerful tool for stability and independence.

Her journey wasn’t easy. She faced setbacks, financial hurdles, and logistical challenges, but through determination and resourcefulness, she built a farm that not only supports her family but also uplifts others.

“It is not just about raising chickens—it’s about building a future, overcoming challenges, and proving that determination leads to success,” she said.

“What started as a necessity has grown into a business, benefiting my family and the community.”

Originally from Naraiyawa, Raijieli and her family faced a difficult decision when they moved to her husband’s village in Wainimala, Naitasiri, where there was no school nearby for her children.

“The solution we took was moving to Naraiyawa, where education was more accessible,” she said.

“We had to put our children’s future first. The move wasn’t just for them—it set the foundation for everything we’ve built today.”

That move has opened a world of possibilities she hadn’t considered before.

Like many farmers, Raijieli depended on manure to grow her crops. But sourcing it from Navua was costly.

She decided to produce it herself by raising chickens and using poultry waste as manure.

“We couldn’t keep spending on transport and supplies when we could create our own,” she said.

With this simple but powerful shift, poultry farming became more than just a support system for her crops—it became another business and a path to stability.

Like any business, poultry farming came with challenges.

Chickens required care, attention, and protection from losses—and losses were plenty.

“When I started, I bought 50 chicks, but many didn’t survive. Transport distances were too long, and they wouldn’t make it through the first few days,” she recalled.

Then there was the cost of feed, unexpected expenses, and the sheer work of keeping the farm running.

“I had moments of doubt. But I reminded myself—this business is for my family, and if I gave up, I would lose everything I had worked for,” she said

Instead of accepting setbacks, Raijieli adapted. She kept her flock smaller, focusing on raising healthy birds rather than growing too quickly.

For support and growth, through the 2022-2023 commercial agriculture development program of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Raijieli received guidance, materials for her poultry shed, and technical advice to keep improving her farm.

“I wasn’t just handed success—I learned, I listened, and I put in the work,” she said.

While her brother helped build the shed, her husband played a key role in ensuring their poultry journey had a strong start.

“He believed in this business as much as I did. When you have support, challenges feel a little lighter,” she said.

What makes Raijieli’s journey even more meaningful is the way her children are involved.

“Each of my children has a bank account, and I make sure money from the farm goes directly into their savings,” she said.

Not only does poultry farming secure their future, but they actively help take care of the chickens—learning responsibility while contributing to the family’s success.

“They also feed, change the water, and monitor the birds. They know this farm is not just mine—it’s theirs too,” she said.

Attending the 2025 Women’s Symposium on agriculture, Raijieli was inspired by women across Fiji who were turning livestock farming into thriving businesses.

“It showed me that women can do anything. We can create, lead and succeed in farming.”

“After returning, I convinced my husband to expand our poultry farm, adding egg-laying chickens so we could supply both meat and eggs to the community.”

“Eggs are expensive in town, and I saw a gap—if we raised layers, we could provide for our children and our village.”

To those who feel intimidated by poultry farming, Raijieli says it is worth the sacrifice.

“Many women think poultry farming is hard, but for me, it’s easier than going out to work in the fields. Feeding and watering chickens is manageable—it’s something women and young people can do to secure their future, start small, learn, and grow,” she said.

“Success isn’t instant, but if you keep going, you’ll get there. Farming is about persistence.”

Raijieli’s ambition does not stop at farming—she has opened a small canteen, using profits from poultry to diversify her household income.

“This business has given me things I never thought I’d have. It’s not just about chickens—it’s about building a future,” she said.

Agriculture Assistant Dada (Livestock), Vishwesh Waran, praised Raijieli Nayara for her dedication and resilience in poultry farming, emphasizing that her success was driven by hard work and strong family support.

“Raijieli is an incredibly hardworking woman who has achieved a lot with the encouragement of her family. Her commitment to poultry farming not only benefits her household but also strengthens the local agricultural sector and has made good use of the assistance,” Waran shared.

From a mother searching for solutions to a businesswoman shaping her success, Raijieli’s story is proof that resilience, strategy and hard work can transform lives.