Pacific island’s root crop production…

Root crops are an integral part of food security in the Pacific Island countries. Despite the changing dietary habits, it is the pillar of food groups. Nowadays there is a shift to eating imported cereal staples too. However, root crops are important food and cash crop.

Pacific root crop production represents approximately 0.4 percent of total global production. It is still very important throughout the region. Total production in Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga is about 190,000 tonnes. Thus far, Fiji produces almost 70 percent of this. So far, locals consume most of the production. Exports account for 5 to 6 percent of total production in Fiji and Samoa. Tonga exports almost 16 percent of its production.

Peak production

So far, the peak production was between 2006 and 2009. Exports to New Zealand, Australia, and the USA were about 14,000 to 15,000 tonnes of root crops. Since then, production has been somewhat lower. However, exports remain constant between 12,000 to 14,000 tonnes. New Zealand is the largest import country. It imports almost 60 percent of the production. Australia is the next at around 30 percent. So the rest are taken by the USA. Thus far, market share has moved significantly for the three exporters. Fiji’s exports are declining, and Samoa increasing from a low base. So far, Tonga is gaining market share.

Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa are the key exporters. Vanuatu has exported small quantities in the past. Thus far, they show interest to become a regular supplier. Droughts and cyclones affect production too. However, it recovers to reach an average of 14,500 tonnes. Exports are worth USD$20.4m.

Export marketing mechanism

The export marketing system works in parallel with domestic markets. In all cases, the local market moves much higher volumes. Hence, the export pathway is lagging. In fact, there are two different export systems. There is a formal commercial market and the informal market. So, the latter is prevalent in Tonga and to some extent in Fiji and Samoa.

Over the last decade, there have been major changes in trading patterns. While Fiji is losing market share, Australia and the USA are increasing imports. Thus far, the non-Pacific Island country producers are dominant in the USA market. They are increasing their market share in Australia and New Zealand too. So Pacific Island produce is mostly taken up by the Pacific Island diaspora communities in these three markets.

Gender differentiation

There is a gender differentiation in the root crop industry. So, roles and responsibilities within the value chains are gender-based. Men are more into root crop production. Thus, women process and market the produce. However, it may differ between countries and communities. It often depends on sociocultural norms and traditions too. Thus far, there are compelling barriers facing women, youth, and people with disabilities. They may encounter difficulties in accessing employment in the value chains. It is challenging for them to start their own business too.

Young people expect to contribute labour. However, they seem to pursue other career opportunities with agriculture seen as a last resort. Therefore, there are opportunities to promote greater inclusion in root crop value chains.

Opportunity development

Stakeholders must improve access to market information. They must provide business development openings for these groups. There needs to be training on codes of conduct and workplace policies. In fact, the training must include compliance requirements and product standards. Thus far, it is important to strengthen workplace health and domestic violence policies too. Advance women’s leadership in marketing, supervisory duties, and managerial functions will be a milestone.

The industry leadership team should create incentives for more inclusive practices. Thus, it is important to encourage leadership in the adoption of new technologies or processes. Therefore, training and access to business and communication networks may be meaningful.