Developing the Kava National Strategy Plan for Tonga

Kava is an important export, ranking third after coconut oil and copra in Tonga. Commercial markets for the exportation of the Kava to other international markets have open as bans in countries such as Australia have been lifted. As one of the traditional cash commodities with great export potential, a coordinated intervention is required to achieve the Kava sector’s growth. Of the 75% of households in Tonga who live in rural areas over half are involved in Kava production. However, the production (cultivation to consumption) of Kava is dominated by men. The number of women and young people leaving Tonga to Australia and New Zealand for employment opportunities is increasing. There was therefore a need to develop a strategy for the Kava sector in Tonga to maximise its export potential, maximise the contribution of the sector to sustainable economic growth and food security and create economic opportunities for women and young people n Tonga. The Ministry of Agriculture, Foods and Forests therefore started activities to develop a Kava National Strategy Plan (KNSP).