Fiji is developing its first National Rural Development Policy aimed at improving livelihoods and economic opportunities for rural communities, Parliament heard on Monday this week.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Risk Management Mosese Bulitavu said the policy had been shaped through extensive consultations with stakeholders across the country.
Speaking during the debate on the President’s address, Mr Bulitavu said the ministry had adopted a collaborative approach in developing the policy.
“The ministry has adopted a co-creation approach to develop Fiji’s first National Rural Development Policy following a series of eight national multi-stakeholder consultations,” Mr Bulitavu said.
Mr Bulitavu said about 1000 rural organisations and stakeholders, including community representatives, civil society groups, youth and women’s organisations, participated in the consultation process.
He said the policy aimed to strengthen rural livelihoods and ensure rural and maritime communities were included in national development planning.
“Forty-four point one per cent of Fiji’s population resides in rural areas.
“That means nearly half of our citizens live outside major urban centres in villages, settlements, outer islands, and interior communities.”
He said that infrastructure development would play a key role in improving access to services.
“These investments strengthen linkages between isolated communities and urban centres, facilitating access to healthcare, education, markets and services.”
The policy will also support climate-smart agriculture, fisheries development, improved connectivity through roads and jetties, and greater access to finance for rural enterprises.
“This comprehensive framework ensures that rural and maritime development is not treated as an afterthought but integrated into national development planning.”
