The Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development (FRIEND) Fiji is strengthening its focus on food security, sustainable livelihoods and clean energy as vulnerable communities face rising living costs and increasing climate-related pressures.
Speaking to fijivillage News, FRIEND Fiji Acting Chief Executive Officer Viloki Gohil says the organisation’s work remains focused on helping rural and underserved communities become more economically resilient while improving access to essential services.
Since its establishment in 2001, FRIEND Fiji has worked with more than 500 communities across the country through programmes covering social and economic empowerment, health and wellbeing, sustainable livelihoods and disaster preparedness.
Gohil says the current global fuel crisis is placing additional pressure on household incomes, making livelihood support and food security increasingly important.
She says FRIEND Fiji is supporting families through backyard gardens and communal farms, while providing practical organic farming training to help farmers produce their own compost, organic manure and natural pest-control solutions.
This is helping communities reduce their dependence on costly external inputs while strengthening local food production.
Gohil says food innovation and value addition are also creating alternative income opportunities for some of Fiji’s most marginalised communities.
She says by helping families turn locally grown produce into marketable products, FRIEND Fiji is supporting them to diversify their income, reduce food waste and build more resilient livelihoods.
The organisation is also expanding its clean energy initiatives.
Gohil says a recently installed solar hybrid system in a fisheries-based community is helping fishers reduce fuel and ice-related expenses, safely store and aggregate their catch, access better markets and improve household incomes.
Gohil says the project demonstrates how renewable energy can provide practical solutions to the economic challenges facing remote communities.
Water security is another growing priority, particularly as communities face rising costs, increasingly severe weather events and the risk of the upcoming El Niño.
Gohil says water tanks are essential for vulnerable and remote communities, supporting drinking water, food production, sanitation and basic survival.
She says FRIEND Fiji continues to support water security as part of its wider efforts to strengthen community preparedness and resilience.
Meanwhile, the organisation will mark its 25th anniversary on 29 August at its headquarters in Tuvu, Lautoka.
Gohil says the milestone will bring together communities, partners, supporters and stakeholders who have contributed to FRIEND Fiji’s journey over the past 25 years.
She says it will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s achievements and share its vision for the years ahead.
