The South Pacific Extension and Development Institute (SPEDI) was officially launched at the Fiji National University’s Bounaqwele Campus in Nadi this week.
The launch coincided with the opening of the inaugural Fiji International Landcare and Sustainable Agriculture Conference hosted by FNU and funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) project.
Speaking at the event, former President and Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere emphasised the significance of SPEDI to farmers in local communities in Fiji and the broader Pacific.
“SPEDI gives practical expression to the vision we have gathered here to celebrate,” Ratu Wiliame said.
“It represents an investment in the future of agriculture, rural development and our communities by ensuring that knowledge does not remain within institutions, but reaches our farmers, villagers and young people and creates a bridge between research and practice, between innovation and tradition, and between the wisdom of our ancestors and the opportunities of tomorrow.
“This is the kind of leadership our region needs.
“One that respects indigenous knowledge while embracing science. One that values partnerships alongside innovation.
“And one that empowers communities to become active custodians of the land.”
The institution will act as a bridge between the university and society, bringing together tertiary institutions, government ministries, and non-government organisations to develop sustainable community solutions.
SPEDI is spearheaded by Dr William Kerua from FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF). Its core focus includes advancing integrated sustainable farming systems and scaling up community development and rural outreach across Fiji and the Pacific.
