New lifeline for Navosa yaqona farmers

Matababani Co-operative Ltd, established in 2020, is transforming the yaqona trade in the Navosa Highlands by directly addressing the financial burdens faced by local farmers. Previously, growers had to transport their yaqona 73 kilometers to Sigatoka, incurring one-way travel costs of $25 to $30. The co-operative's initiative to create a direct buying hub within the Noikoro district has effectively eliminated this significant expense.

This strategic move has not only cut costs but also expanded local production. On June 23, 2026, Matababani Co-operative purchased $49,000 worth of fresh yaqona from local villages. This yaqona is now undergoing processing for supply to larger markets, providing a more stable and profitable outlet for the farmers.

Originally formed to manage solar power operations, the co-operative has evolved to include 20 active financial members. Its commercial growth has been further accelerated by the acquisition of an electric pounding machine and a packing facility, funded by the Integrated Human Resource Development Programme. The Department of Co-operative Business is committed to ensuring the co-operative's long-term sustainability by providing ongoing governance and financial training.