In the heart of Taveuni, Mr. Tomasi Sovayaloka from Tavuki, Cakaudrove, is proving that farmers do not need to encroach on the Taveuni Forest Reserves to make a living. By cultivating watercress, Tomasi has demonstrated that alternative crops can provide better economic returns than traditional farming methods while preserving the island’s fragile ecosystem.
For generations, farmers in Taveuni have relied on dalo and yaqona has their main cash crops. However, the expansion of these crops had led to deforestation, threatening the island’s water catchment and biodiversity. Tomasi has chosen a different path. By shifting his focus on watercress farming, he is making a sustainable income while ensuring that the surrounding forest remains intact.
“I chose watercress because it provides a quick source of income for my family. I can harvest it within three weeks, making it the best option for me. Dalo and yaqona take a long time; it can take eight to nine months to mature, and yaqona can take years,” said Tomasi.
