Life in the village is simple. While in the village setting - life moves in a much slower pace, like everyone else, villagers often dream of a better future for their children and themselves.
Mualelele Produce is built on the efforts of Eroni Mualelele to provide better opportunities for his children and his kinsmen from Vuna, Taveuni.
2020 FINALISTS - COVID-19 PACIFIC RESPONSE: SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS CHALLENGE
Earlier this year, we submitted a proposal to UNDP Pacific for their Pacific Response Challenge. The initiative provides technical and financial support to local entrepreneurs and experts in Fiji and Vanuatu and we were lucky enough to be one of 8 finalists from Fiji.
This was in itself a great achievement as it validated all the efforts, time and passion we have put into this operation.
We narrowly missed out on a $10,000USD grant but it did not deter us one bit - in fact we remain optimistic and remain focused on our objectivesWhat We Are Doing?
For the past year, Mualelele Produce have been buying produce from Vuna and selling it in Fiji's 2nd largest city, Lautoka.
In Vuna village, farming is life. And because of the fertile soil of Taveuni, most of our crops are of high quality and is mainly exported overseas.
Suffice to say, the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on operations this year - exports slow down due to current travelling restrictions.
However, there are many other crops that are in abundance in Vuna which are not exported.
Produce such as chilies, coconuts, pumpkin, cassava, plantains and banana's are usually not exported and go to waste as it is available in abundance in the village. However, in Fiji's urban areas, this agricultural produce are always in high demand.
We also buy coconut oil products and handicraft goods from the women of Vuna and sell it off in Lautoka.
Why Are We Doing It?
Firstly, we are trying to look for alternatives and move away from completely relying on export markets because the demand locally is also high.
Secondly, we are trying to maximize all the produce we have and diversify into new markets. Traditionally, farmers only plant export crops - but produce which are in high demand locally go to waste when in fact it can also be sold and be an alternative source of income.
Our Team
Eroni Mualele
At 60 years young, Mr Mualelele now runs his market stall in Lautoka and he jokingly admits that it is beginning to be a struggle for a man his age. With over 40 years farming experience, he now buys produce from his kinsmen in Taveuni and sells it in Lautoka City.
In his first year of operation, Mr Mualelele was surprised with how his market stall and small business performed. He realized that there is a huge gap in the local market and he intends to fill this gap.
With the money raised, he will scale his business and streamline logistics which is currently his biggest expense.
The produce he buys from Taveuni travel approximately 280KM before it reaches its final destination, Lautoka.
Rodney Acraman
Nephew of Mr Mualelele, Rodney Acraman provides strategic management and advise in the running of his small business.
Community
In the end, it is truly a collective community effort. Mr. Mualelele plans to buy from more villagers and in effect support his kinsmen earn through produce which are usually neglected or previously not sold.
In Lautoka, the Taveuni produce is held in high regard as they are of high quality (we hate to toot our own horn but Taveuni produce is truly of high quality). .
As part of our strategic plan, we aim to form a co-operative in the not so distant future. In fact - the formation of this co-operative is targeted to be established by 2023.
How Can You Help?
With your kind donation, Mr. Mualelele will be able to raise funds which will be used in streamlining his logistics, buying more produce and invest in equipment's.
Donate to our crowdfunding campaign by selecting a reward from the list on the right. We are so grateful for your support.
Vinaka (Thank You) - Love and blessings from Fiji.