By Kamilo 'Ali | Oxfam's Polynesia Micronesia Livelihoods Manager
On February 12, 2018, the devastating winds of Tropical Cyclone Gita crippled Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga, and ‘Eua. Immediately after the cyclone, Oxfam and its partners teamed up to deliver emergency water, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) supplies, and to restore damaged WASH infrastructure.
In the six months since Tropical Cyclone Gita, Tonga is on the road to recovery. Oxfam and its local partner, the Tonga National Youth Congress, constructed a greenhouse and established a nursery for organic crops. Seedlings of organic vegetables are being distributed to farmers and families for replanting and growing.
Nakolo was chosen as the pilot village for this livelihood recovery plan. Ten households in Nakolo were selected as initial recipients of the seedlings and to grow their own organic vegetables. Selection criteria ensured that vulnerable households and individuals were included, such as the elderly, widows, and people living with disabilities.
There are over 700 organic growers across Tonga, but the recovery plan is concentrating on organic growers in Tongatapu and ‘Eua because these were the two main islands that Tropical Cyclone Gita most impacted. The initial steps of the recovery plan included the construction of the greenhouse, the establishment of the nursery, and the distribution of seedlings to households in Nakolo and Kolomotua villages. The nursery’s irrigation system is proving very successful and contributes to the sustainability of the project, which is especially critical as the government weather office warns of drought that may last for six months.
The vegetable nursery has already reached 611 family members and once the remaining seedlings have grown and are ready for distribution, the remaining 189 families will receive them. Each household has or will receive a total of 175 vegetable seedlings, which include onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, cabbage, pumpkins, and beans. It is expected that all 800 families in this recovery plan will be supported in the next couple of months.
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