Traditional knowledge and sustainable livelihoods are fast becoming an area of interest for women on Cicia Island in the Lau Group — evident from the value-added products created from natural materials that were showcased at the 2024 National Agricultural Show earlier this week.
Former civil servant Susana Yalikanacea championed these initiatives on the island among her peers.
“For years, I taught women how to make coconut oil, fine mats, incense, and other products,” Ms Yalikanacea said, and recalled her days in the Ministry of Agriculture where she taught women how to create value-added products.
“Today, the women of Cicia Island have become self-sufficient, they have transformed their island into a hub of traditional entrepreneurship.”
Ms Yalikanacea said the Agriculture ministry had always supported the progress of women in her community
“They provided equipment and materials for our production. They even helped build a dedicated space for manufacturing our products so the women can work efficiently and have everything needed in one place.”
She said the approach ensured the women were equipped with the necessities to create their products independently.
Ms Yalikanacea said while the focus was still on the local and regional markets, there were plans to expand into the export sector.
“At the moment, we want people to experience our products first-hand here in Fiji at affordable prices.
“We want them to understand and appreciate the value of what we’re making, when we’re ready, we’ll then look into the export market.”
Apart from helping women generate income, she also aims to pass on the traditional knowledge to the younger generation.
Through practical training, women on Cicia are also teaching their young skills needed to continue these businesses in future.
