The exodus of villagers to urban centres and overseas for work opportunities has had an impact on the development of villages in Macuata.
Divisional Planning officer Northern Setareki Dakuiboca said these were men and women between the ages of 25 and 49 years old.
Mr Dakuiboca told the Macuata Provincial Council meeting this age group formed the backbone of all development work in the village.
He said that In their absence, the challenge fell on the shoulders of the older folk who were not as fit and healthy.
Mr Dakuiboca said while the numbers of the physically fit group had dropped in Macuata villages, those between 50 and 64 years had increased.
Those above 65 years have also increased in areas of Macuata and Labasa districts while it has decreased in Cikobia, Dogotuki and Sasa.
For agricultural farming, he said more people were involved in Cakaudrove than Macuata and Bua where there were not as many farming activities.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told the meeting the rural-urban drift had been happening for a very long time and that the Government has played its part to reduce it by giving assistance to rural folk to start their own businesses.
