 Fiji |
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Fiji
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Overview (Geography, Socio-economy, Climate)
Land resources
Water resources (AQUASTAT) 
Plant nutrient resources
Hot spots
Bright spots
Challenges and viewpoints
References / Related internet links |
1. Country overview 1.1 Geography and administrative units 1.3 Climate 1. > top |
1.1 Geography and administrative units Fiji is an archipelago of over 320 islands scattered over approximately 1.3 million sq. km in the South Pacific Ocean between longtitude 176o 53' E and 178o 12' W. The 180o meriian runs through Taveuni but the International Date Line is "bent" conveniently to give a unifrom time to all the Fiji group. Its total land area is about 18,333 sq. km and the maximum height is 1,324 m above sea level. There are four main administrative units or divisions in Fiji; Central Division, Western Division, Northern Division and Eastern Division. There are 15 provinces within these four administrative divisions. [Map 1.1.2: Administrative Map] [Table 1.1.1: Administration Units]
1.1 > 1.
1.2 Socio-economic features Population The population in 2000 was estimated to be close to 824,700 with a growth rate of 1.6 percent. Most people live on the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The majority of the population is made up of two ethnic groups - indigenous Fijians and Indians. The remaining people who account for about 5% of the population are Rotumans, Chinese, Europeans, part-Europeans and other races. [Table 1.2.1:Population Growth] [Figure 1.2.1: Population of Fiji by Ethnic Origin]
Economy Fiji is endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources. Sugar exports and a growing tourist and garment industries are the major earners of much needed foreign exchange. However, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and gold also contribute to the export earnings of the country. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity and roughly 250,000 tourists visit Fiji each year. Recent political uncertainty and drought, however, contribute to substantial fluctuations in earnings from tourism and sugar and to the emigration of skilled workers. Fiji's growth slowed in 1997 because the sugar industry suffered from low world prices and rent disputes between farmers and landowners. Role of Agriculture in Economy Agriculture, including susbsistence, employs an estimated 67% of the labor force. Key primary food crops produced are taro, cassava, sweet potatoes or kumala and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The agricultural sector of the economy accounts for almost 21 percent of GDP. Major Food and
Cash Crops Agriculture in Fiji is largely dependent on copra, taro, sweet potatoes, rice, sugar, fruits and vegetables. Vegetable crops and fruits include tomato, cucumber, watermelon, pawpaw, pineapple, eggplant, Chinese and English cabbage, lettuce, etc. [Table 1.2.2:Production of Major Food and Cash Crops in Fiji]
1.2 > 1. Situated in the tropics, Fiji has a tropical maritime climate with frequent torrential rain. At all seasons the predominant winds over Fiji are the trade winds from the east or southeast. In general the winds over Fiji are light or moderate, the most persistent being in the period July-December; strong winds are uncommon with the exceptional cyclones which genrally occur in the period of November-April. Temperatures at lower altitudes around Fiji are generally uniform. Diurnal and seasonal temperature changes are relatively small. Average temperatures vary only about 3-4oC between the coldest part of the year (July to August) and the warmest (January to February). Although rainfall is highly variable, the average rainfall increases streadily inland from coastal areas. It usually increases plentifully between December-April, especially over the larger islands, but in May-October it is often deficient. [Figure 1.3.1: Mean Annual Rainfall in Fiji] [Figure 1.3.2: Monthly Mean Temperature and Rainfall in Nadi Airport in Fiji] [Figure 1.3.3: Monthly Mean
Temperature and Rainfall in Laucala Bay in Fiji]
1.3 > 1. |
2.1 Physiography 2.2 Soils 2.3 Mangroves 2.4 Natural hazards 2.5 Land cover 2.6 Land use 2.7 Land use change 2.9 Environmental impact of land uses 2. > top |
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The
largest island is Viti Levu (Big Fiji), which covers 10,390 sq km, followed by Vanua Levu
(Big Land) with 5538 sq. km.
Other large islands include Taveuni and Kadavu. About 150 islands are
inhabited. The
highest peak in the country is Mt Victoria, at 1,323 m. There are several
other mountains of over or close to 1,000 m. The larger islands,
especially Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu and the Lomaiviti group, are quite
mountainous and of volcanic origin, rising more or less abruptly from the shore to
impressive heights. The
southeast or windward sides of the islands are covered in dense forests. 2.1 > 2. The general pattern of soils is best described by separating the soils into three topographic groups as follows: (i) Soils developed on the relatively flat areas derived from river or marine deposition. This accounts for approximately 15 % of the total land surface. (ii) Soils developed on rolling to hilly land. This accounts for approximately 20 % of the total land surface. (iii) Soils developed onsteep slopes of hills and mountains. This accounts for approximately 65% of the total land surface.
Fiji soils can be grouped genetically into 8 major types as follows:
Most of the
volcanic highland soils of the Fiji islands belong to the soil order Inceptisol with
significant areas of Mollisols, Alfisols Ultisols, Oxisols, Andisols and Entisols. Andisols, formed from young volcanic ash have been identified in Taveuni, Koro and Rotuma in the Fiji Group. Vertisols and Histosols are found in limited areas throughout Fiji and Histosols, in particular, have considerable agricultural significance. Most of the soils found in Fiji are of low fertility. As most parent materials in Fiji are deficient in phosphorus and potassium, the soils that develop form these also show similar deficiencies. Soils in Fiji may be low in certain nutrient elements such as calcium, magnesium and also phosphorus as a result of phosphorus fixation. Soil nutrient problems are worse in acidic soils, which decreases some mineral nutrient availability and intake and results in large amounts of free aluminium and iron. The organic matter levels of most soils tend to be high but this often rapidly declines with cultivation. [Map 2.2.1: Geological Features of Fiji] 2.2 > 2. Fiji has a considerable area of mangrove. While the exact area is inadequately known, it has been reported that approximately 42,000 ha remain of an original resource of approximately 45,000 ha (Watling and Chape, 1992). The distribution of mangroves is irregular and the largest formations are found in deltaic formations at the mouths of some of the larger rivers such as Ba, Rewa, Nadi and Labasa. Eight species of mangrove and a unique sterile hybrid are found in Fiji - the hybrid 2.3 > 2. The vulnerability of small island developing States like Fiji can be illustrated by the facts that about 65 percent of its GDP is derived from imports and exports, over twice that of other countries, and that a single cyclone can wipe out their entire agricultural production (Briguglio, 1995). Atmospheric disasters are related to climatic extremes and in Fiji high winds and storm surge are most significant. Wave damage is also of significance and may occur without a tropical cyclone. on an average about two to four cyclones per decade cause severe damage and these cyclones are mostly confined to the period November to April. Earthquakes have been recorded since 1850 to the present and are the major land-based hazard in Fiji. Tsunamis and landslides are also common. Fiji lies in the area frequently traversed by tropical cyclones. About 10-15 cyclones per decade directly affect Fiji. On an average about two to four cyclones per decade cause severe damage. Earthquakes are fairly common in Fiji as the Fij Group lies in one of the most seismically active areas of the world. Earethquakes have been recorded from 1850 to the present and are the major land-based hazard in Fiji. Several major earthquakes have been recorded, the most significant of which were in Kadavy (1850), Suva (1953) and Taveuni (1979). The 1953 Suva earthquake was the most destructive in Fiji's history, with accompanying landslides and tsunami causing considerable damage in the Suva, Nausori and Navua areas. [Map 2.4.1: Distribution and Depth of Earthquakes in Fiji] Eleven tsunamis have been recorded in Fiji since 1877. Only three produced waves of significant height, notably 2.0m in 1877, 1.8m (in Suva) 1881 and 4.6m (in Kadavu) in 1953. The reef system protects most of Fiji from local and distant tsunamis and only the 1953 tsunamis are known to have caused damage and loss of life. With an anticipated rise in sea level and the possibility of a tsunami at high tide, the amount of protection offered by the reef system may diminish. 2.4 > 2. Just under half the total land area of Fiji is under forestry. Forty
four percent of the country remains under natural forest cover, concentrated
in the wetter parts of the country (Table 2.5.1:
Forest Cover in Fiji). Extensive areas of the drier, mainly western,
parts of the two larger islands and many of the smaller ones have
suffered severe deforestation. Fiji has embarked on ambitious afforestation
and reforestation programmes to reduce the volume harvested from natural
forest. To date some 50,000 ha have been brought back into production
through afforestation. 84% of all Fijian forests are in communal ownership.
State land accounts for only 7% and freehold land about 9% of the
total. [Table 2.5.2: Land Capability Classes]
2.5 > 2. Of the total land area in Fiji 10
percent is arable, 4% is inder permanent crops, 10% under permanent pastures, 65% under
forests and woodland and 11% under other land-use categories. [Table 2.6.1: Land Use Types by Major Crops]
2.6 > 2. n/a 2.7 > 2. 2.8 > 2.
2.9 Environmental impact of land uses While over 60% of the total land area is suited to some form of
agricultural activity, only about 16% is suitalbe for sustained arable farming.
2.9 > 2. |
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3.1 Hydrography 3. > top |
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Fresh water is a fundamental resource for small island
nations. Most development plans are pivotal on the availability of fresh water. Domestic Water: Clean
water and proper sanitation enhance the health and productivity of the work force and have
particular implications for the children and future generations. Fiji is better off than
many Pacific Island nations as 70% of the population has access to proper piped water
supplies. Agricultural
Water: Since sugarcane
farming, which is predominant in agriculture in Fiji, is traditionally carried out without
irrigation and most of paddy rice cultivation has been quitted because of unfavorable
market conditions, demands for irrigation are quite small.
Demand for irrigation is limited to that for vegetable production in the Sigatoka
valley watershed. Breeding of livestock such
as chicken, pigs, cattle, goats and sheep prevails and consumes about 900 m3/day
of water. 3.1 > 3.
3.1 > 3. |
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4.1 Plant nutrient use and nutrient balance 4.2 Fertilizer production and costs 4. > top |
4.1 Plant nutrient use and nutrient balance Fiji dominates fertilizer use in the Pacific accounting for approximately 86 per cent of total usage in the sub-region. It is also the only South Pacific country with a facility for blending fertilizers. At least 95 per cent of fertilizers are applied in sugarcane farms. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries (MAFF) does not as yet have an organized statistical database for fertilizer use. Most of the data are stored in word processing files, which cannot be used for further manipulation or processing. There is also a concern about accuracy of the data collected by the ministry. In the sugar industry since 1989, a lot of changes have occured in fertilizer use for sugarcane production in Fiji. During this period the N, P, and K requirements have been and continue tro be the subject of extensive fertilizer trials by the Sugarcane Research Centre and sugar Technical Advisory Mission of the Republic of China both based at Lautoka. As current expenditure on fertilizers by the sugar industry is in excess of $ 18 million per annum, it is necessary to ensure the that they are used as efficiently as possible. The fertilizer cost of approximately 16% of the total cost of sugarcane production. [Table 4.1.1: N, P, K Fertilizers Use (kg/ha) in All Sugar Mills (1994-1999] The data given in Table 4.1.2 shows the N, P and K fertilizer usage in the Fiji Sugar Industry from 1986 to 1998. There has been a marked increase in the proportrion of N, P, and K usage since the blended fertilizers was introduced in 1990. Before 1990 growers used a lot more N fertilizers at the expense of P and K fertilizers. The blended fertilizers provided a much more balanced nutrition for vthe rop and proved beneficial for soils deficient in P and K nutrients. A marked increase in use of K fertilizers can be seen and, in addition, a slow but steady increase in the use of P fertilizers can also be seen. [Table 4.1.2: Area Harvested and Amounts of N, P, and K Used in the Fiji Sugar Industry, 1986-1998] 4.1
> 4. 4.2
Fertilizer production and costs The South Pacific Fertilizer Limited (SPF) based in Lautoka is the only major importer and distributor of fertilizers in Fiji. Hence, the company is the main source of fertilizer statistics for reasons that its own imports, sales and prices are almost representative of the national figures. There are two other suppliers of fertilizers in the country, each of which imports about 1,500-2,000 tons per annum compared to SPF's 60,000 tons annual imports. As the Fiji Sugar Corporation is the biggest user of fertilizers economics of its use will be restricted to sugarcane farming only. [Table 4.2.1: Economics of Nitrogen Fertilizer Use in Sugarcane Production] [Table 4.2.2: Economics of Potassium Fertilizer Use in Sugarcane Production] [Table 4.2.3: Economics of Phosphorus Fertilizer Use in Sugarcane Production] 4.2 > 4. |
5. Hot spots 5.0 Overview: constraints to sustainable agriculture 5.3 Plant nutrition-related constraints 5. > top |
Fiji has
no national land-use development master plan, even of an indicative nature. A recent
document, still in its draft stage, tries to look at some of the issues relating to Rural
Land-Use policy for Fiji (Leslie, D and Ratukalou, I, 2001). The current land-use
management administrative and institutional framework is highly sectoralized, and current
attempts at coordination are proving ineffective. This has constrained the development
process, increased interministerial friction and, in certain cases, promoted unsustainable
resource use. 5.0 > 5. 5.1 Land-related constraints to sustainable agriculture In the agriculture sector, first-class arable land
tends to be fully utilized or unavailable for land tenure reasons. That means the
expansion of agriculture has been on steeper marginal land. Some agricultural practices,
such as sugar cane and ginger production on steep land, are unsustainable as they
accelerate the natural erosion rates, which are already high; thus they are responsible
for considerable areas of land going out of production. Consequently, even a small
increase in the population can be expected to dramatically accelerate localized land
degradation. There is an urgent need, as recognized by the National Environment Strategy,
to match land to appropriate land use and to discourage inappropriate land use. Prime
agricultural land has been wasted on other land-use developments such as housing when
poorer land could have been used, particularly in Western Viti Levu. The Fiji Agricultural
Sector Review (Asian Development Bank, 1996) highlights the issue with the statement: “The land with the best diversification opportunities tends to be closer to Nadi. Thus the problem of the accelerating loss of prime agricultural land to housing and industrialization, when poorer agricultural land could be utilized, needs to be addressed with some urgency.”
5.1 > 5. 5.2 Water-related constraints to sustainable
agriculture The main consumers for industrial water are Fiji Sugar Corporation, and Emperor gold mines. Water consumption by other industries is quite small. Fiji Sugar Corporation has its own water supply facilities and the facilities supply all of its consumption. The water volume supplied for Fiji Sugar Corporation is about 5,200 m3/day. With regards to hydro-power generation, there is the Monasavu Power plant (83,000 kW) and several mini hydro facilities (800 kW). The demand for
water will increase in the tourist dominated areas (Nadi, Sigatoka and Lautoka) as the
industry expands. Increased population pressures will also be responsible for increased
water demands.
The demand for agricultural and industrial water is not expected to increase much,
except, in extra ordinary drought year. Demand for
domestic water can easily be taken care of by direct intake from main streams or
tributaries because surface water potential is far larger compared to the water demand.
5.2 > 5. 5.3 Plant nutrition-related constraints to sustainable agriculture Use of plant nutrients can become a difficult
constraint in developing and maintaining sustainable natural resource management
techniques when there is a limitation of manpower and technical skills and knowledge with
regards to nutrient and fertilizer usage. 5.4 Other constraints to sustainable agriculture The value of natural resource stocks such as beaches, farmlands, forests, and coastal marine fish stocks, are normally not quantified in economic terms. At the community level, many resources are still perceived as "free" and "without limit". There is a lack of public awareness of the potential scarcity of the resources involved. Partly resulting from this lack of knowledge or awareness and hence, lack of pressure, resources are being liquidated for immediate economic gain rather than being managed sustainably. A more integrated approach to natural resource management is required and this calls for a wide range of disciplines among staff. Developing the necessary expertise will come only through the gradual process of experience. A greater pool of forestry, agriculture, fisheries and conservation professionals is essential, but it is difficult for a developing country like Fiji to train and maintain the numbers required; Another constraint is that the availability of funding to tackle unsustainability has been restricted. It is noticeable that significant aid funding has been focused on the larger continental countries while the special case of island resources - small in quantity but great in human significance - has gone comparatively unnoticed. Perhaps the most difficult problem to address, in achieving sustainable management of resources, involves the external financial and social pressures to which Fiji communities are subject, with the result that some of the traditional cultural and community-based resource management systems are being eroded. 5.4 > 5. |
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6.0 Overview: society's response to ameliorate the situation 6.1 Land-related response indicators 6.2 Water-related response indicators 6.3 Plant Nutrition-related response indicators 6. > top |
6.0
Overview: society's response to ameliorate the situation With regards to agricultural development MAFF's
"Mission Statement", as laid out in its 1997-2000 Corporate Plan clearly states
"... MAFF is committed to the responsible and sustainable development of Fiji's
agricultural, fisheries and forestry resources...". This commitment to the concept of
sustainability is made real through four (4) areas of operation. 6.0 > 6. 6.1 Land-related response indicators Fiji has a comprehensive "Land Conservation and Improvement Act" which covers good husbandry of land. Failure to adhere to the Act can lead to a farmer losing his/her lease entitlement. Good land husbandry practices are also an integral part of the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act, which governs all leasing of agricultural land. The MAFF does not lend its approval to any potential farmer attempting to gain a lease on "marginal" land, where the MAFF perceives there to be a high risk of land degradation. 6.1 > 6. 6.2 Water-related response indicators The Land and Water
Resource Management Division is charged with the " ... overall management of Fiji's
land and water resources ... in an environmentally sustainable manner ... ". This
involves the use of mass media for awareness and demonstration farms. This Division also
undertakes land reclamation programmes and the construction of irrigation facilities. All
of the above activities are coordinated by the MAFF Environmental Technical Committee,
which has also drawn up a "MAFF Environmental Policy Paper". The MAFF&A
(through the Land Use Section) is a member of Fiji's Land Conservation Board. 6.2 > 6. 6.3 Plant Nutrition-related response indicators N/A 6.3 > 6. N/A 6.4 > 6. |
7. Challenges and viewpoints |
Many agricultural, forestry and fisheries policies are,
perhaps, concentrating on specific components of technology, along commodity or
disciplinary lines. In future, a more holistic approach is needed with interdisciplinary
and usually multi-institutional studies of ecosystem management, biological inter-actions
of mixed crop, tree and animal production systems, including aquaculture. Prominent among these spatial interactions are nutrient
flows and the effects of production practices on waste management and pest control.
Assessment of indigenous knowledge and traditional production systems, and development of
appropriate technologies with due attention to the differences between areas of
high/intermediate potential and to those of marginal/low potential should be included in
these studies. 7. > top |
8. References 8.1 References 8. > top |
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Bureau of Statistics, Annual Report, Government of Fiji. 1998. Briguglio, Lino. Small Island
Developing States and Their Economic Vulnerabilities. World Development 23(9): 1615-1632.
1995. Buresova,
N.V. and McGregor, A. The Economics of Soil Conservation: the case study of the Fiji
ginger industry. In:
Ziemart, R.O., O'Loughlin, C.L. and Hamilton, L.S. ed. Research Needs and Applications to
Reduce Erosion and sedimentation in Tropical Steeplands. IAHS Publication No.
192, pp. 247-255. Chandra, R. Rural urban population movement in Fiji, 1966 - 1976: a macro analysis. In Jones, G.W., and Richter, H.V., eds., Population Mobility and Development: Southeast Asia and the Pacific: 329-354. Canberra Development Studies Centre, ANU, Australia. 1981. Daly, B.K., Wainiqolo, J.L., Chand, K. and Hart, P.B.S. The use of microbial biomass carbon for monitoring organic matter dynamics under cropping and agroforestry in two Fiji soils. Fiji Agricultural Journal, 52(1), 35-41. 1996. Department of Forestry, (unpubd). Annual Report 1995. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forests, Fiji. 1995. Donnelly, T. A., Quanchi, M. and Kerr, G. J. A. Fiji in the Pacific: A Geography and history of Fiji. 4th Ed., Jacaranda Wiley Ltd, Australia, 1994. Leslie, D. and Ratukalou, I. Draft. A Rural Land-use Policy for Fiji. Opportunities for the New Millenium. 2001. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forests and ALTA. Annual Report for the Year 1996. Parliament of Fiji. Parliamentary Paper N0. 79 of 1999. Government Printer. Fiji. 1999. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests, Annual Report. Government of Fiji. 1996. Morrison,
R.J. and Clarke, W.C. Soil erosion in Fiji-problems and perspectives. Journal of Erosion
control Engineering Society (Japan), 43(2), 54-59. 1990. Sugar Cane Research Centre, Annual Report 1998/99. Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited. Lautoka, Fiji. Watling, D and Chape, S., Environment: Fiji, The National State of the Environment Report. Prepared and published by IUCN. 1992. Watling, D. 1985. A mangrove management plan for Fiji, Phase I. Zonation requirements and a plan for the mangroves of the Ba, Labasa and Rewa Deltas. Government Press, Suva.
8.1 > 8.
Country in General http://www.fiji-online.com.fj/aboutfiji/land.shtml www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/fj.html www.fiji-online.com.fj/aboutfiji 8.2 > 8. |
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