A study in Fiji shows that a quarter of households can’t afford healthy vegetables 

At the end of March 2025, the World Vegetable Center, in collaboration with the Consumer Council of Fiji and Dikoda, hosted a high-level National Forum in Fiji’s capital, Suva. Supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through the PIC More Veg project and officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, the event brought together diverse stakeholders to drive solutions for a healthier food system. Key findings of the PIC More Veg project were unveiled and stakeholders called for urgent action to boost vegetable availability and affordability. This confirmed that many Fijian households cannot afford the vegetables they need for a healthy diet. This forum represented the culmination of the project’s participatory approach, engaging diverse stakeholders in tens of “talanoas” (traditional Pacific dialogue sessions) conducted throughout its lifetime to advance healthier food system solutions for Fiji and the Pacific.

The research study indicated that at least 25% of the population, based on the 2019/2020 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, could not afford the cheapest commonly consumed foods that constitute a healthy diet. Alarmingly, this figure only considers food costs; when accounting for acquisition, storage, and preparation, the number of individuals unable to afford a healthy diet is likely much higher. The high cost of fruits and vegetables, which comprise approximately 50% of the diet’s expense, is a significant factor, with prices prone to sharp increases due to climatic events.

Furthermore, even if affordability were not an issue, the study identified substantial problems with accessibility and desirability. Local vegetable production did not meet local needs, and access points often lacked diversity, resulting in a significant reliance on self-cultivation. Interestingly, the study found that knowledge of healthy eating is not a primary barrier. Instead, challenges lie in translating knowledge into practice, and factors like the desirability of healthy foods, particularly among children, play a key role that creates a complex web of obstacles.

The study also identified a key policy paradox: national policies include vegetables but are often divided between promoting export growth and local consumption, hindering a coordinated approach. Addressing this, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Manoa Kamikamica called for “a whole-of-government and whole-of-society multisectoral approach to strengthen local supply chains and ensure healthy food is accessible and affordable for all” in his keynote speech.

“Food security is not simply about having enough food—it is about having the right food,” emphasized Seema Shandil, CEO of the Consumer Council of Fiji, during her opening address. “It is about ensuring that every child, every family, and every community has access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food choices. A well-nourished population is healthier, more productive, and more resilient to external shocks. A thriving food system means a thriving nation.”

The forum featured informative panel discussions facilitated by Mari Manger from Dikoda and Ee Von Goh from WorldVeg. Following this, group discussions and an active exchange took place among government officials, research institutions, development agencies, and community leaders, leading to the collaborative creation of practical, actionable strategies. The voices of Fijian communities were central to these discussions, ensuring that the developed strategies were rooted in real, on-the-ground experiences. This collaborative approach is essential for transforming food systems and making vegetable-rich healthy diets more accessible throughout Fiji.

“ACIAR is proud to support the PIC More Veg project and this important forum,” said Mai Alagcan, Pacific Region Manager of ACIAR. “Our investment reflects our commitment to sustainable agricultural development and improved nutrition in the Pacific. We believe that findings from this research will play a crucial role in shaping policies that promote healthier diets for all Fijians.”

“WorldVeg is dedicated to leveraging our expertise in vegetable research to drive positive change,” said Ee Von Goh of WorldVeg. “This forum has provided a vital opportunity to collaborate with partners and translate research into tangible solutions. We are committed to working alongside the Fijian government and communities to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious and affordable vegetables.”

In her closing remarks, Devina Nand emphasized the importance of translating research into action, and that stakeholders are committed to developing policy briefs and action plans to ensure these insights lead to practical solutions.

The forum concluded with a strong commitment from all participants to continue working together to implement the co-created strategies. The PIC More Veg project team will continue to support these efforts, ensuring that the insights gained from the project contribute to a healthier and more resilient food future for Fiji.

For more details on the project, visit https://www.aciar.gov.au/project/hort-2021-141. For more information on the forum or research findings, contact eevon.goh@worldveg.org.

The PIC More Veg project is led by WorldVeg, in partnership with the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCOF) and Dikoda, and funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).