The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is strengthening food and nutrition security by expanding the School Gardening Program in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Aligned with Thematic Area 8 of the 10-year Non-Sugar Agriculture Policy and Strategic Priority 1 of the Strategic Development Plan, this initiative empowers students with hands-on agricultural skills that support learning, health, and future livelihoods.
One standout success is Navukailagi District School, where students have established a 10-box garden and a nursery, receiving practical training in climate-resilient agriculture. This month, they proudly celebrated their first harvest, showcasing the real impact of agriculture education in schools.
With 16 schools targeted this financial year, the program continues to grow. The Ministry, working closely with the Ministry of Education, has now partnered with Savusavu Secondary School to further expand the reach of this important initiative.
Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, emphasised the broader impact of the program:
“By integrating hands-on cultivation, nutrition literacy, and enterprise opportunities into the school curriculum, we are fostering a generation of youth committed to building healthier communities and sustainable livelihoods.”
“The School Gardening Program is a successful model that strengthens food and nutrition security while cultivating biodiversity in classrooms. As students learn to grow their own food, they gain essential life skills and a deeper understanding of agricultural practices.”
The Ministry encourages NGOs, Development Partners, and the private sector to join this effort to expand school gardening programs, share best practices, and scale innovative, nutrition-focused learning.
“As we cultivate these gardens, we are not just growing food; we are nurturing the future of our youth,” said Hon. Tunabuna.
Together, we can grow a healthier, more resilient Fiji.