Widow Bulou Ryland is a determined woman who has taken on the responsibility of managing her family farm following the passing of her husband.
Her husband had bought the farm and successfully harvested crops twice before his untimely death.
Despite this significant loss, Bulou said she was undeterred and chose to continue his work and uphold the purpose of their farm.
The farm holds special meaning, as her husband named it Logamakita, after the wild plant that once grew abundantly on the land before they settled there.
“This connection to the land and its natural resources gives us a personal connection to the farm,” she said
Taking on the challenges of farming alone, Bulou has not only maintained the family’s agricultural legacy but has also become an inspirational leader in her community especially among women.
She said recognising the potential for empowerment through farming, has helped her encourage other widows to start their own farming businesses.
Together, they have formed the Logamakita Farmers Club, a group that supports and motivates women in similar situations to be self-sufficient through their agriculture ventures.
Bulou said the initiative has had a profound impact on their members, enabling them to provide for themselves and their families.
She also emphasised that farming has allowed them to become financially independent and to take care of their households in a better way.
The Logamakita Farmers Club was also part of the stalls at the Hibiscus Festival last month.
Bulou shared that the women cooked Fijian dishes to sell at their stall which was sold out very quickly.
“Customers were just coming to our stall from morning to afternoon, and we made fresh pastries and Fijian dishes throughout the week-long event,” she said.
Bulou said their club members were glad to be part of this annual event as it helped motivate the women and brought them out of their comfort zones to serve people who loved their food packs.
With all their children grown up, Bulou dedicates all her time working on the farm and meeting its daily obligations.
She is deeply committed to maintaining the farm’s productivity and ensuring that nothing goes to waste through pure hard work. She said her hands-on approach reflects her passion towards ensuring the farm’s sustainability and success.
“Farming is not without its challenges,” she said.
She faces difficulties related to unpredictable weather conditions and occasional disruptions that threaten crop production. However, she says she remains steadfast, refusing to let these obstacles hinder her progress.
Bulou shared that her positive attitude has been crucial in dealing with the uncertainties that come with land cultivation.
She highlighted that through her hard work and leadership, she was able to support and help other women in her community become independent.
By managing the Logamakita Farm, Bulou said she preserved a meaningful family legacy while inspiring and supporting others to build their own farming enterprises.
Bulou said she believes her story is a powerful example of perseverance, community building, and the transformative power of agriculture.
