Villagers in northern Yasawa have been reminded of traditional practices that could help them make a living.
The program, headed by FRIEND Fiji Board president Adi Makelesi Tavaiqia, was introduced to about 200 women from five villages through funding by the USAID Pacific American Fund.
Under the COVID19 Livelihoods Support Project, the women from Bukama, Teci, Dalomo, Nacula and Matacawalevu learnt traditional processes of making gluten-free flour from cassava, sweet potatoes, breadfruit and plantain.
The participants were also taught how to naturally preserve local fruits.
According to the organisers, the products made by the villagers could also be sold to FRIEND Fiji which markets and sells organic Fijian products.
Adi Makelesi said the program re-emphasised traditional best practices in local communities.
“We want to ensure that this traditional knowledge is sustained and used to empower these communities to improve food security and generate additional income for themselves and their families,” she said.
“This partnership with USAID through the Pacific American Fund allows us to support vulnerable and remote communities, aiming to improve the quality of life in these areas.”
The $1.75million grant to FRIEND by the USAID Pacific American Fund was announced in July last year and is expected to benefit more than 2300 people, including women and underserved populations.
