Catalog

“I was born and grew up in this village. I went to a primary school and finished in year 6. I am married and have two children. Our daily living depends on the land we have and the food crops that we grow. Our food gardens are located a good 1 to 2 hours’ walk from the village. Areas around the village are currently used for cash cropping with coconuts and cocoa.

“We do not worry about food too much as we have big food gardens (taro, banana, vegetables, etc.) and this can support us for quite some time. Our main concern is cash income for school fees, soap, kerosene, clothing, and transport costs for bringing goods to the village.

“Although we have coconut plantations, the money earned from copra production is low compared to people who are earning money through the sale of kava. Some people within this village do earn income through the sale of their food crops, mats, and baskets.

“My family’s only source of income is the sale of copra. The little money we earn is used for what we need at home, some is given to the church, and some is set aside for the future or an emergency such as a sick child.

“The other problem that we have had in this village for quite some time is water. We currently depend on rainwater. Long dry spells and shortages of water means we have to walk long distances to get to the nearest creek or spring along the sea coast.

“The rural water supply section of the provincial government built a concrete water tank for this community and that had helped out a bit. Each household is also building its own concrete tank to reduce the pressure on the community tank. I hope that one day the provincial government and central government can come up with a proper water supply system not only for this community but other communities around this part of the island.”