Fiji Hand in Hand Initiative 

28.01.2026
 

Fiji validates hand-in-hand investment plan to accelerate agrifood system transformation 

The Government of Fiji through the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar, today reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, resilient and sustainable agricultural development with the opening of the Fiji Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Plan Validation Workshop, held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Suva.

While officiating at the workshop, the Minister for Agriculture and Sugar, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna, acknowledged the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for its continued partnership and technical leadership through the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, describing it as a bold, data-driven and inclusive approach to transforming agrifood systems.

“The Hand-in-Hand Initiative directly responds to Fiji’s need for targeted, inclusive and sustainable investments that address poverty, food insecurity, climate vulnerability and limited market access,” said Hon. Tunabuna. 
“It is not just another planning exercise, but a nationally led, evidence-based process that helps identify where investments can deliver the greatest impact.”

Agriculture remains the backbone of Fiji’s economy and the primary source of livelihoods for most Fijians. However, the sector continues to face challenges including climate variability, constrained productive capacity, and access to finance and markets. 

The Hand-in-Hand Initiative leverages advanced geospatial modelling and analytics to identify high-impact investment opportunities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the eradication of poverty, hunger and inequality.

Hon. Tunabuna noted that Fiji’s engagement with the Initiative aligns closely with the Government’s national development priorities and the Ministry of Agriculture and Sugar’s Strategic Development Plan, supporting objectives to:
 Increase agricultural productivity and diversification;

•  Strengthen value addition, market access and agribusiness development;
• Promote climate-smart and resilient agricultural practices;
• Enhance biosecurity, food safety and sustainable natural resource management; and
• Empower farmers, youth and women as key drivers of growth in the agrifood sector.

He highlighted to participants that the development of Fiji’s national Hand-in-Hand Investment Plan reflects strong national ownership and broad stakeholder engagement across government, farmer organisations, the private sector, development partners and civil society. 

“The Plan is designed to mobilise catalytic public and private investment into priority agrifood value chains that can generate employment, raise farmer incomes, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience to climate and economic shocks.”

“The importance of this workshop cannot be overstated,” Hon. Tunabuna said.  “For farmers, it will improve access to technology, markets and finance. For communities, it will support better nutrition and employment opportunities. And for the nation, it represents a pathway towards inclusive economic growth, food security and greater self-reliance.”

Hon. Tunabuna also referenced successful implementation of the Hand-in-Hand Initiative in countries such as Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, El Salvador, Nepal and Nigeria, where data-driven planning has helped attract investment, strengthen value chains and reduce food insecurity. 

He encouraged participants to adapt lessons from these experiences to Fiji’s unique island context and climate challenges.

The Validation Workshop serves as a critical milestone, providing stakeholders with the opportunity to review, refine and endorse the proposed Investment Plan to ensure it is practical, implementable and aligned with national and community needs.

Hon. Tunabuna encouraged open dialogue between the government officials, stakeholders and community members present at the workshop, stating that the Initiative provides a powerful platform to turn evidence into action, plans into investments, and investments into lasting benefits for the people of Fiji.