Prolonged dry weather in Fiji is making life difficult for livestock owners, with grass drying up and land cracking, leaving cattle and goats struggling due to a lack of grazing areas.
Mohammad Raiyaz Khan of Talaiya, Ba, who owns Wananavu Kava Traders at the Ba Market, says the dry conditions have continued for a long time and are making farming increasingly difficult.
Khan says while his area is currently fortunate to have a reliable water supply, he is concerned about other communities in the Western Division that are already facing water shortages.
He is urging people to conserve water and avoid unnecessary use, particularly washing vehicles, to ensure there is enough for essential needs such as drinking.
Khan says people should prepare now rather than wait for the situation to worsen, particularly with the effects of El Niño expected to continue into next year.
Meanwhile, Khan adds that continued dry conditions is affecting kava production and supply, and as it continues prices may rise to $300 per kilogram.
