The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the Government of Fiji has launched the “Climate-Smart Agriculture and Resilient School Garden Project” at Navesau Adventist High School in the Wainibuka Valley on the island of Viti Levu, Fiji. The collaborative initiative was launched by Assistant FAO Representative Joann Young to promote climate-smart agriculture and education on nutrition and healthy diets in Fiji and other Pacific countries.

The project, aimed at reducing COVID-19 related food insecurity in the Pacific region, focuses on fostering sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices, with a particular emphasis on promoting environmental sustainability, gender sensitivity, and education on nutrition and healthy diets for the next generation. As part of this regional initiative, FAO, in collaboration with the Fiji Government through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, will implement a comprehensive school garden project utilizing drip irrigation techniques.

The project comprises of both the theory and practical training will be delivered to 300 participants comprising of students (137 girls and 150 boys), teachers, and auxiliary staff for 4 consecutive weeks. Additionally, four demonstration plots employing drip irrigation will be established, with a commissioning ceremony scheduled for 30 June 2023. Navesau Adventist High School hosts students of various ethnicities, including i-Taukei (Fijian), Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Nauru, and Kiribati, showcasing the regional reach and diversity.

The launch coincided with the kick-off of the Theory Training for the "Climate-Smart Agriculture and Resilient School Garden Project" at the school premises in Wainibuka, Fiji. The training covered various aspects, including Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Protection, and Nutrition, equipping the participants with a holistic approach to school gardens. Topics covered during the training also included Growing Vegetable in Home Grown Gardens, Seed Preparation, Pest and Diseases in Vegetable Crops, Home Composting, Agriculture and Water Management, and Vegetable Harvesting Techniques, among others.

FAO's technical expertise and advice will ensure the sustainability of the project and establish an exit strategy following its completion. The project deliverables include developing training programs, preparing the land and installing the drip irrigation system, procuring necessary resources such as seeds and garden tools, providing classroom and practical training, and monitoring plant development until the first harvest.

The opening ceremony was attended by Ms Joann Young, Assistant FAO Representative to Fiji; Mr Vateitei, SDA Mission Education Director; Mr Manuel Alagcan, FAO Horticulture Expert; Ms Mere Vukialau-Taoi, FAO Project Specialist; the School Principal, Teachers, Auxiliary staff, and students of Navesau Adventist High School.

This collaborative effort is funded by Global Affairs Canada and aligns with FAO's efforts to enhance sustainable and climate-smart practices to build resilient agriculture, fisheries, and forestry production systems.