By Nanise Neimila
ZABEEN Khan, a university graduate in hospitality and hotel management, had once pictured herself thriving in Fiji’s bustling hospitality industry.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic led her down an unexpected yet rewarding path.
Today, she manages her husband’s family goat farm, transforming it into a thriving business with over 120 goats.
With Government assistance and a commitment to sustainability, Ms Khan is not only growing her farm but also contributing to Fiji’s agricultural goals.
“The pandemic changed everything; I went from working at Hard Rock café to learning how to care for goats. It wasn’t easy because the tourism industry was affected during that time, but it felt like the right thing to do at the time.
Settling down three years ago during the pandemic, when Ms Khan first stepped onto the farm, she faced a steep learning curve.
From starting a new family to managing the physical demands of farming, every day brought new challenges.
“I didn’t know anything about goat farming but I was determined to learn. The goats became my new ‘guests’ and I wanted to give them the best care possible.”
Recognising the need for better infrastructure, Ms Khan applied for Government assistance under an agricultural support program.
The funding helped her build a modern goat shed, ensuring the herd had adequate shelter.
“The shed was a turning point for us, it gave us the capacity to expand and improved the health and well-being of our goats. The government’s assistance gave us the boost we needed. It’s encouraging to know they’re backing farmers like us,” Ms Khan shared.
With improved infrastructure, she is now focusing on expanding production to supply goat meat on a larger scale.
“We have the potential to produce locally and reduce the country’s dependence on imported meat. Every kilo of goat meat we produce here means less money spent on imports.”
“I want our farm to be a model for others, if we can achieve this with the right support, so can others. It’s about creating a ripple effect across the farming community,” Ms Khan explained.
Adapting to her new role was not easy, she shared that there were days she doubted herself but every challenge taught her something new.
“Whether it was navigating the paperwork for government assistance or dealing with the goats’ unpredictable behaviour, I realised that perseverance is key.”
“My husband and I work together with other workers that assist in managing the farm, and that partnership has been our strength. Farming isn’t a one-person job—it takes collaboration and shared goals.”
Looking ahead, Ms Khan dreams of hosting workshops to share her knowledge with other aspiring farmers, especially women.
“Farming is often seen as a man’s job, but I want to change that perception. Women can lead in this space, too,” she says passionately.
“If more farmers can produce locally, we’ll reduce our reliance on imports and create a stronger economy. It’s not just about farming—it’s about nation-building,” Ms Khan shared.
Her journey from hospitality to agriculture is a story of resilience, adaptability, and the transformative power of support.
“I never imagined myself as a farmer but here I am, building a business, contributing to my country, and loving every moment of it.”
As Fiji continues to prioritise agricultural development, Ms Khan’s story serves as a reminder that with determination, vision, and the right resources, individuals can drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact.