There is a need for National Population Policy – Naiqama

There is a need for a National Population Policy to study and observe and strengthen the youth population as its primary goal is to improve quality of life through more effective planning and development efforts.

This was highlighted by the Policy Advisor of the Prime Minister’s Office, Kemueli Naiqama while speaking during the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the Fijian Economy organised by Dialogue Fiji.

Naiqama says this is crucial as it studies the youth population which allows them to make decisions that will improve the living standards of youths and will help them overcome poverty challenges.

He mentioned that in 2019, 30 percent of youths were living in poverty.

Meanwhile, Senior Economist of the University of the South Pacific, Dr. Neelesh Goundar says the unemployment rate of youths in the nation is around 18 to 20 percent.

Goundar says it is possible to reduce this number through economic growth that will allow expansion in economic activities leading to more job creation.

He says the rural population living in poverty is also a concern as the 2019-2020 survey shows that 60 percent of people live in poverty.

Goundar says this percentage is mostly involved in the agriculture sector and there needs to be more consideration in this sector as rural poverty causes international and rural-to-urban migration creating pressure on development and job opportunities.

The Senior Economist says having policies does not mean that issues are solved and requires continuous monitoring to determine if these policies are effective.