LOSAVATI Likuivalu of Soa Village in Nakorotubu, Ra has both grit and grace.
The 42-year-old’s strength is helping farmers in the Yaukawa Cluster toil and tend farmland in the coastland of Bureiwai.
Even though farm work is often labelled ‘a man’s job’, Losavati does it diligently daily – from planting and crop care to harvesting.
Life before farming
Before starting her journey as a farmhand, Losavati worked in Suva.
She had worked for the Catholic Church, first at St Nicholas House and later at the Archdiocese of Suva.
Like many who try to make a living in Suva, she said it was tough and a challenge trying to make ends meet daily.
“In town you pay for utilities, rent, food and your travel expenses,” she said.
“Living and working in the farm is better compared to city life. Food and essentials are bought by the cluster for the farmers; water is available and transportation to go to the village is provided at the end of the week.
“We are even offered vegetables to take home in the weekend, so we take tomatoes, cucumbers and even coconuts.”
Role
As a farmhand, Losavati knows what her tasks are.
“If I haven’t completed my work, I will make sure to complete it the following day.
“When its tomato seasons, I assist in taking care of the tomato plants. I make sure their growing well, they are upright and are on the trellis system not touching the ground.
“I help with harvesting, pruning, planting and also cooking.
“When I can, I assist in the kitchen. Since we’re a big group, extra hands are always needed in meal preparations and cooking.
“I’ve learned a lot working at the farm and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
Savings
Ever since she joined her husband at the farm, they have been able to save money.
“We both work here. My husband is from Cawaro Village in Udu, Macuata. He is part of the Yaukawa Cluster Farm while I’m here to assist as a farmhand.
“We made the decision to join because it not only helps us put food on the table, but it also helps our community grow.
“Being part of the cluster has been a great experience for us. We have always dreamt of saving money for our family, especially, me.
“I tried saving while working in Suva, but it didn’t work because of the many expenses. Since working at the farm, my husband and I have managed to save money with Unit Trust of Fiji.
“That is a big step for us, and we have encouraged other farmers to do it as well.”
Working together
The cluster is made up of farmers from a mataqali in Soa Village so it’s easy doing the tasks together.
The work is done efficiently, without fail.
“The whole aim is for the cluster to help everyone, especially villagers thrive in their community with what they earn and to start their own cluster when they leave.
“Living here has brought a sense of respect for the work we do every day, and we acknowledge the different abilities each cluster member brings here.
“We celebrate our successes collectively as a group and we learn to support each other.
“We have seen that having deep respect for each of our abilities help us flourish not only here at the farm, but also in our villages.
“We hope that other farmers or clusters do the same, so each of them can grow.”
She hopes that one day she can start her own vegetable farm and share what she has learned with others.
She was the only woman working at the Yaukawa Cluster Farm when The Sunday Times team visited.
Losavati Likuivalu beside the tomato plants she cares for at the farm. Picture: ALIFERETI SAKIASI
She is pictured with the Yaukawa Cluster Farmers members in Bureiwai.
Picture: ALIFERETI SAKIASI
Losavati also does crop care for cucumbers and other vegetables. Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI
Na i Lalakai senior reporter Viliame Ravai and Losavati make their way through the piece of land being cleared for chilli farming. Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI
The tomatoes grown at the Yaukawa Cluster farm. Picture: SUPPLIED
The sweet corn grown at the farm. Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI
