MORE financial education programs are needed in villages, says Macuata provincial administrator Joseva Rokonai.
Mr Rokonai said provincial offices should take initiatives to incorporate such educational training for village and district heads who would work with villagers.
"I think that the leadership trainings alone are not enough because our rural people need to be empowered to know how to manage and use the money they earn," he said.
"When this happens, then only can development be evident in rural communities especially with our iTaukei communities."
Mr Rokonai said provincial and district offices could liaise with departments such as the Northern Development Program, Micro Finance and the co-operative to assist villagers.
"There is also a need to empower our natural resource owners on issues regarding conservation and protection of their natural resources."