WHO WE ARE

Mission and Impact

In Fiji 258,053 people are living in poverty (29.9% of the population)

Of the total population, the incidence of poverty in rural areas is twice the rate of poverty in urban areas. Out of all the people who have been defined as living in poverty, around 62% live in rural areas. Every day, children and adults in some of the poorest communities die from causes that can easily be treated in hospitals in nations like Australia. Many children may die before they have the chance to go to school and many are missing out on a good education.

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) is an important part of poverty reduction, as Fiji frequently experiences tropical cyclones and flooding with significant impacts on lives, livelihoods, and the economy in general. Disasters repeatedly set back progress in housing, health, education, and development. Between 1980 and 2016, economic damages caused by disasters were estimated at approximately US$16.3 million annually. Cyclones, heavy rain, and flooding cause the most severe economic impacts to agriculture and tourism, with the tourism sector often experiencing cancellations and damaged assets. Disasters also periodically push people into poverty or keep them there. Loss of livelihoods during disasters is a severe issue in Fiji. The economic challenges brought by disasters and external shocks, including the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, are exacerbated by Fiji’s remoteness and economic reliance on agricultural exports and international visitors.  SOURCE: Fiji: Disaster Management Reference Handbook (March 2023)

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