Farmers from the Central and Eastern divisions are visiting communities under the LandCare program in the North , sharing farming techniques and exchanging stories that highlight resilience, innovation, and unity across the land.
The journey to Matalolo village in Cakaudrove revealed the courage of farmers who have long relied on yaqona and dalo as staple long-term crops.
Through LandCare, they are now diversifying into short-term vegetables, supplying local markets and their families despite the hardship of crossing three dangerous rivers and navigating poor roads.
Their determination touched visiting farmers, showing how perseverance can overcome isolation.
In Suweni village, Taniela Drecala and his family are leading the way in value addition, turning breadfruit, cassava, and corn into flour.
With support from the Ministry, including a solar dryer, they are reducing reliance on imported flour and creating healthier, organic alternatives.
Their creativity demonstrates how traditional crops can be transformed into modern products that sustain families and open new market opportunities.
The Korobua women’s group is raising seedlings for vegetables and fruit trees while promoting agro-ecological practices, the collective effort strengthens food security and empowering households.
Satish of Korotari, the first LandCare recipient, has become a model of sustainability, planting vetiver to protect the riverside erosion, cultivating vegetables and supplying markets with fresh produce.
Savenaca Natadra originally of Ra and is farming in Lomaivuna shared his admiration.
"I am touched by the farmers in Matalolo, even though they are far from the market and face bad roads, they are still thriving and compared to Lomaivuna, their perseverance is inspiring,” he said.
"This exchange tour has allowed us to share with the farmers of the north some of the things they do not know and them to us and we are really happy about it."
The LandCare program is helping farmers turn challenges into opportunities, proving that when we care for the land, the land cares for us.