The Navakaka Women’s Group in Navatu, Cakaudrove, is turning traditional skills and locally sourced materials into income while supporting development in their community.

The 24-member group, led by Rukalisa Maimua, received national recognition at the 2026 National Agriculture Show in Labasa after winning the Value-Adding Crops Award.

The women produce a range of traditional and natural products, including Virgin Coconut Oil, traditional wellness products, woven mats, necklaces, earrings, tekiteki and handmade brooms.

Their 750ml bottles of Virgin Coconut Oil are sold for $10, while their traditional sinusinu also sells for $10. Woven mats are priced between $80 and $600, depending on their size and design. Necklaces sell for $12, earrings for $2 a pair, tekiteki for $5 and handmade brooms for $10.

Maimua says members have different skills and regularly come together to share their knowledge and work.

She says their monthly meetings are also an opportunity to ensure traditional practices are passed down to younger generations.

The group has introduced basic financial management practices, including keeping financial records and maintaining a dedicated bank account for its activities.

The income generated through their products is also being used to support the wider village, with contributions made towards the village school, community hall and church.

However, reaching larger markets remains a challenge for the women because of the distance and cost involved in travelling from the remote community to sell their products.

The group is now looking at opportunities to have its products sold through different markets, which would allow them to reach more customers without having to travel as often.

Another key target is to establish a resource centre in Navakaka. The facility would provide a permanent space to showcase and sell their products while helping strengthen the group’s business activities.

For the women of Navakaka, the enterprise is about more than generating income. It is also helping preserve traditional knowledge, create opportunities for younger generations and contribute to the development of their community.

Their recognition at the National Agriculture Show highlights how traditional skills and locally available resources can be transformed into sustainable livelihoods and support rural community development.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture