Naikelikoso Village in the district of Nadogo in the province of Macuata sits on a small hill overlooking streams and farms and is near the famous floating island of Nubu.
It is also home to members of the Wainidrua Farmers Group who have been planting cassava for the Labasa Farm fresh markets.
Led by 49-year-old Ilimani Rova, the group was established a few years ago but recently strengthened its programmes so that more agricultural activities were included.
"We have 11 members in the group who have struggled to provide for their families and we are all proud to have started our own cassava farm," said Ilimani.
"The cassava farm is situated on mataqali land close to the village and currently has about 5000 cassava plants."
"We plan to supply the export agents in Labasa Town and the surplus could be sold at the Labasa Market," explained Ilimani.
As with every village setting in the country, there are rules and regulations that need to be adhered to and for Naikelikoso, the group was formed to keep the villagers occupied as well as educated on developments that need to take place for a secure future.
"Every member in the group wholeheartedly played their roles and we are proud that we are still running," he smiled.
According to Senior Agricultural Officer (Macuata) Kanito Mataigasau, the group proved themselves as hard working farmers.
"We received positive reports from the locality officer who was looking after farmers in the district."
"They were then assisted in 2011 under the Export Promotion Programme (EPP) which is one of government's Demand Driven Approach (DDA) programmes," explained Mataigasau.
"The group had met the criteria for assistance and was given $14,000 worth of agro-inputs such as Urea, NPK, glyphosate, paraquat and farming tools."
"Through this cassava venture, we hope to meet one of government's aims in developing and increasing our export commodities."
Ilimani shares the same sentiments and says that the group is indirectly addressing government's aim of increasing exports.
Apart from their cassava project, the group also plant dalo, kumala and yams for food security as well as transporting to the market in Labasa to sell.
"The women in the village are also planting voivoi (pandunus) and have been selling them to interested buyers in the division."
Ilimani says that the opportunities to making a living in rural areas are endless but the onus is on the people to make the right decisions and work hard.
"We often hear of time management in schools and workplaces but it should also be practised in all homes, "The more time we spend on the farms, the more that can be achieved and I am sure the more income that can be earned."
Ilimani says that the group wishes to expand their farming activities but is eagerly awaiting the harvest of their cassava.
"We have plans in place to also go into vegetable production and sell it to the schools and homes in the area."
"There are also plans to go into livestock farming like goats, cattle as well as poultry."
The group plan to build houses for each of its members using the solesolevaki method of working together to achieve their common goal.
"Planning for the future is a big step and working towards achieving those plans is another, but we are determined to see that we set standards for our future generations," added Ilimani.
The staunch Christian farmer says that nothing would have progressed this far if it weren't for their beliefs and faith.
"Through God's creation, we have been given natural resources and as guardians, it is our role to make use of them in every way that we can."
"But of course, we have to be sensible as well and make the right choices in ensuring that our future generations will one day enjoy the resources that we are using today," he smiled.
The Wainidrua Farmers group is still forging ahead with their farming activities and they hope that more people will return to the land and utilise it for their livelihoods.
nKuini Waqasavou is an Information staff member
at the Ministry of Primary Industries