CLOSE to 300 people are expected to take part in the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development's (FRIEND) Stakeholders Forum today.
A statement released by FRIEND yesterday said among the issues that would be discussed at the forum are food security to reduce the impact of poverty in disadvantaged communities and empowerment of grassroots communities.
"Rural women worldwide are front-liners in subsistence agriculture and food security and Fiji is no different. In marking World Rural Women's Day today, FRIEND field officers will visit communities to judge backyard gardens and food security initiatives and hand out community commendation awards."