THE Partners in Community Development Fiji (PCDF) is supporting women in the villages of Nukuloa and Levuka i Gau in Lomaiviti to strengthen their economic independence through the installation of industrial solar freezer systems designed to support sustainable local livelihoods.
The initiative, made possible through funding support from Women’s Fund Fiji, marks a significant milestone for the women’s groups in both villages, who recently received and commissioned the freezer systems as part of their community development efforts.
The project was developed in response to priorities identified by the women themselves through their Integrated Village Development Plans (IVDPs).
Through these plans, the women highlighted the need for improved storage facilities to help maximise income from fishing and small-scale food production activities in their communities.
PCDF Project Officer Sailasa Tagica said the project is aimed at strengthening the role of women as economic contributors within their communities.
“With this project, the women of the two villages will be able to become economically independent and support key needs for the groups identified in their respective IVDPs,” Mr Tagica said.
With technical guidance from PCDF, the women were actively involved in the installation of the solar freezer systems alongside village men.
This hands-on approach ensured the women gained practical skills to manage and maintain the systems independently, strengthening local ownership of the initiative.
The freezer systems will allow the communities to preserve fish for longer periods and introduce the sale of frozen goods within the villages.
This opens new income-generating opportunities for families while reducing food waste and improving food security on the island.
The initiative is also designed to be community-led and sustainable. Local management structures established by the women’s groups will ensure that the project remains viable and continues to benefit the wider community.
By using solar-powered technology, the project also supports Fiji’s national green energy goals by reducing reliance on fuel-powered refrigeration and lowering the communities’ carbon footprint.
PCDF says the project demonstrates how community-driven solutions can empower rural women to take on greater leadership roles in economic activities.
Through initiatives like this, PCDF continues to work alongside communities to strengthen livelihoods, promote sustainable development, and support women to play a central role in shaping the future of their villages.
The solar freezer initiative in Gau highlights the growing impact of locally led development efforts, where women are not only strengthening their own economic independence but also contributing to the resilience and sustainability of their communities.
Women of two villages will be able to become economically independent and support key needs thanks to a solar freezer project. Picture: SUPPLIED
Left: A solar freezer system will help communities preserve fish for longer periods and introduce the sale of frozen goods within villages. Picture: SUPPLIED
