FARM ACCESS ROAD TO IMPROVE MARKET ACCESS FOR REMOTE RA VILLAGERS
RAKIRAKI – Members of the Uluniwai Farming Cluster from the remote villages of Raviravi, Vuniyamunu and Naivutu can now access markets more easily following the commissioning of the Namasaga Farm Access Road.
Previously, farmers walked nearly two hours or transported yaqona on horseback to reach the nearest access point, severely limiting productivity and income despite having a valuable crop.
Funded at $96,500 under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s Rural Outer Island (ROI) Development Programme, the new road has significantly improved daily life for farming families.
Uluniwai Farming Cluster leader Mr. Aliki Nayacamate said farmers endured years of hardship due to poor access.
“We planted yaqona, but without a road, it was very difficult. Today, we are very grateful to Government. What used to take us hours now takes only four minutes by car to reach our farms,” Mr. Nayacamate said.
Kava is the main source of income for the three villages, with the Uluniwai Farming Cluster now owning more than 60,000 yaqona plants. Improved access is expected to boost productivity, reduce physical strain and better meet market demand.
Commissioning the project, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Mosese Bulitavu said the road was a critical investment in rural livelihoods and economic growth.
“This project is about improving access, supporting livelihoods, and reaffirming Government’s commitment to ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in our national development journey,” he said.
He added that improved access enables farmers to maximise output, improve efficiency and better connect to markets, helping communities move from subsistence to sustainable economic activity.
With safer and easier access now in place, the Uluniwai Farming Cluster is focused on increasing yaqona production to strengthen household incomes and improve living standards across the three villages.