The village committee in Mau has been urged to introduce small projects for youths, as limited manpower is slowing down development.
Turaga ni Koro Paula Kauyaca told fijivillage News that this follows the departure of many villagers who have taken up seasonal work opportunities in New Zealand and Australia.
Kauyaca says more than 15 men from the village are currently part of the programme.
He says those going overseas through the NEC are now paying others in the village to plant crops or look after their farms, as some will be away for seven months, while others may be gone for up to four years.
The Turaga ni Koro adds that the few youths who remain in the village are assisting elders with daily tasks.
Kauyaca says they are also encouraging the use of machinery, such as brush cutters, to make village work easier.
