Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development

The FRIEND Labasa team has commenced its community entry process across selected villages and settlements in the Northern Division, covering Bua, Cakaudrove, and Macuata Provinces under the year 4 of the project " Improving Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Northern Division" . The community entry process was guided by respect for traditional protocols and local customs, recognising the important role of traditional leaders, elders, Turaga ni Koro, community representatives, women, youth, and other key stakeholders. Before introducing project activities, the FRIEND team engaged with relevant traditional authorities and community leaders through appropriate sevusevu and kerekere protocols, seeking permission and building mutual understanding and trust. These engagements provided an important opportunity to introduce FRIEND, explain the objectives of the Project, discuss the planned capacity-building activities, and understand the priorities, needs, challenges, and expectations of each community.

The process highlighted the importance of working through existing community structures and respecting local decision-making processes. By establishing trust and meaningful relationships from the beginning, FRIEND aims to support inclusive participation and strengthen the capacity of communities across Bua, Cakaudrove, and Macuata to develop sustainable, resilient, and locally led solutions.

We acknowledge the support of Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Australian NGO Cooperation program and Caritas Australia for the ongoing work in the North

Celebrating a decade of impactful partnership between FRIEND Fiji and Motibhai Group of Companies, driving sustainable growth and community empowerment together!

A decade of trust, partnership and shared progress! 🎉

FRIEND Fiji proudly celebrated 10 years of partnership with Motibhai Group of Companies - an important journey that has helped bring community-sourced, Fijian-made products into homes across Fiji.

Officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, the celebration was made even more meaningful as FRIEND marks its 25th anniversary this year.

Here’s to strengthening local enterprise, creating greater opportunities for our communities and continuing this journey together! 🌿

Motibhai Group Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection - Fiji

| Women entrepreneurs, food innovators, hospitality leaders and regional partners came together at Tukuni Restaurant in Tuvu, Lautoka, to showcase Fiji’s local food, traditional knowledge and biodiversity.

Find the article 🔗 in link: https://fijionenews.com.fj/taste-of-fiji-celebrates-local-food-innovation/

The Idea2Market Regenerative Bioeconomy Initiative is supporting women entrepreneurs in Fiji and Samoa to transform local crops, traditional knowledge and innovative ideas into sustainable businesses that benefit communities and protect the environment.

“Across the Pacific, MSMEs underpin much of the Pacific’s local economic activity and family livelihoods, and women are the centre of that story. Pacific women have long been innovators, producers, traders, and community leaders. What initiatives like Idea2Market do is help unlock the commercial potential of that knowledge and talent in ways that strengthen incomes, food security, and long-term economic opportunity,” said The Asia Foundation’s Regional Representative, Sandra Kraushaar.

Read more in the Fiji Sun Newspaper article below:
https://fijisun.com.fj/living/lifestyle/pacific-women-entrepreneurs-to-lead-new-regenerative-food-initiative

Pacific women entrepreneurs to lead new regenerative food initiative | Fiji Sun Six women entrepreneurs will receive mentoring, product development and market access support.

What does ‘regenerative food systems’ actually mean? For people in the Pacific, it means growing and creating food in ways that protect their land, oceans, culture, and future – while also supporting local businesses and families.

For too long, the people of the Pacific have relied heavily on imported processed foods. But across the region, women growers and food entrepreneurs are proving that our local crops, traditional knowledge, and Pacific ingredients have value.

The Idea2Market Regenerative Bioeconomy Initiative, funded by The Asia Foundation, is helping Pacific women turn local food into market-ready products that are good for Pacific people and their environment.

25 years of FRIEND

FRIEND Fiji turns to food, clean energy and livelihoods to support communities The Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development (FRIEND) Fiji is strengthening its focus on food security, sustainable livelihoods and c

We were honored to host 'The Taste of Fiji' yesterday right here at Tukuni Restaurant at FRIENDheadquarters in Tuvu, Lautoka!
​Our space was buzzing as we brought together incredible women entrepreneurs, food innovators, hospitality leaders, distinguished diplomatic guests, and regional partners to celebrate the rich potential of Fiji's local food, traditional knowledge, and vibrant biodiversity.

​Highlights from the Event

​We were proud to showcase the groundbreaking work of three Fijian women entrepreneurs from the Idea2Market Regenerative Bioeconomy Initiative—Viloki Gohil, Melaia Salacakau, and Amareeta Chand—who presented their innovative products to top buyers across Fiji's hospitality and retail sectors.
​Global Collaboration: We were thrilled to welcome Javara and Seniman Pangan, Indonesia’s premier food innovation hub, who traveled to Fiji to share their invaluable expertise with our local community.
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A special vinaka vakalevu to His Excellency Dupito Simamora, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Fiji, for joining us and gracing our event, reinforcing strong bilateral support for sustainable development and traditional food preservation. We were also privileged to have Ms. Sandra Kraushaar, Country Representative – Pacific Islands for The Asia Foundation, present to witness and champion this milestone.
​The event truly demonstrated the power of merging local knowledge with innovation, entrepreneurship, and market access—opening new doors for women while strengthening Fiji's local, regenerative food economy.

​Vinaka vakalevu to His Excellency Ambassador Dupito Simamora, Ms. Sandra Kraushaar and the team at The Asia Foundation for their vital presence and continued support, Pacific Island Food Revolution (PIFR), Javara, Seniman Pangan, and all the visionary entrepreneurs, hospitality leaders, and supporters who filled our restaurant with energy and purpose. The Fiji Times Fiji Sun Fiji One News fijivillage FBC News Mai TV

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Tribute to Na Momo Levu Na Tui Vuda

​The Board, Management, and Staff of the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development (FRIEND) express our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the royal family, the Sauturaga, and the entire Vanua o Vuda as we join the nation in honoring the life and passing of our paramount chief, Na Momo Levu Na Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia.

​Today, as His High Chiefly Grace is laid to rest at the chiefly burial grounds at Na Burenivalu in Viseisei Village, we reflect on his extraordinary wisdom, warmth, and humble leadership.
​As a steadfast pillar for community empowerment, Na Momo Levu consistently offered his blessings and patronage to FRIEND's work in rural livelihoods, community health, organic agriculture, and disaster response across our region. His enduring dedication to the well-being of his people and his commitment to unity leave a legacy that will continue to guide our efforts for generations to come.

​We extend our prayers to the chiefley family and the Vanua o Vuda during this time of national mourning. May the Almighty grant comfort, strength, and peace to all who grieve his loss.
​Moce mada Vakaturaga, Na Momo Levu Na Tui Vuda.
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We’re excited to announce the Idea2Market Regenerative Bioeconomy Initiative, a new partnership supporting women entrepreneurs in Fiji and Samoa to transform Pacific ingredients and traditional knowledge into premium, market-ready food products. This new pilot is created in partnership between The Asia Foundation, Pacific Island Food Revolution, and Seniman Pangan.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing the journeys of incredible Pacific women entrepreneurs as they develop exciting products. We’re so thrilled to share this journey with you – do come along!