THE lack of enthusiasm by youths and male members towards cultivating crops, yaqona and alcohol abuse and lack of knowledge about sustainable land use are some of the key issues faced by Narewa Village in Ra.
This is the view of community worker Suliana Sadrugu.
"The youths and young men of the village are not interested in working the land because of the over consumption of yaqona and alcohol," she said.
"This is one area we are trying to address by forming groups within the four mataqali that have been tasked with cultivating root crops and seasonal vegetables in the hope that we can derive an income and, hopefully, get the male community interested in farming again."
Ms Sadrugu said residents living on leased land adjacent to the village also faced issues trying to meet land lease payments because of the limited economic opportunities available.
"We have other problems like a lack of awareness about sustainable land use.
"For example, we now know that by chopping our mangroves, we have contributed to soil erosion and foreshore degradation and we urgently need awareness programs to help us plant in a more sustainable manner and also to teach us to respect the land."