Informal economy

Fiji’s western artists prepare for potential disruptions from cyclones

ILO and UNDP are currently working with business development providers such as MSME Fiji, the Itaukei Affairs Trust Board, Green House Co-Working, Vou Fiji and the Fiji Enterprise Engine to roll out BCP training to a large cohort of MSME’s. Through the UN Informal Economies Recovery Project, similar initiatives are being implemented in Palau, Tonga and Vanuatu.

News | 10 December 2021
Contact(s): bernard@ilo.org
Participants in Nadi, Fiji.
While the prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact livelihoods of artists and creative entrepreneurs, the number of tropical cyclones predicted this season is prompting artists to take proactive measures to reduce the impact of disruptions to their businesses.

Supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 30 creative micro business owners have completed an intense Business Continuity Planning (BCP) training session in December 2021. Business owners from Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba and Rakiraki were in attendance; areas notoriously susceptible to the devastating effects of tropical cyclones and the economic fallout of COVID-19.

“When it comes to preparedness, one of the most crucial items to finalise is the Business Continuity Plan,” said Mr Matin Karimli the ILO Director for Pacific Island Countries. “The plan outlines procedures and instructions a business must follow in the face of disasters; it covers business processes, assets, human resources, business partners and more. We see that many Fijian small and micro business enterprises experience a real gap in this area, and therefore are at high-risk of disruptions or closing down when a cyclone hits.”

Mr. Karimli further added that the double burden of COVID-19 recovery and the cyclone season, puts small business owners in a precarious situation once again. ILO has assured that it will continue to work with government and private sector Business Development Service providers to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) achieve long-term sustainability.

Organised by Mr Josaia Mateiwai, owner of LeNiu Art and an executive member of the Visual Artists of Viti Association (VAVA), the objective of the BCP training was to develop the understanding of participants in being able to identify risks and plan mitigation measures. Each creative entrepreneur was then supported in formulating their own continuity plans for their respective businesses.

“Many creative micro enterprises operate in the informal economy and do not have access to such an important training. So the artists are very grateful for this opportunity,” said Mr Mateiwai.

Mr Mateiwai himself was one of seventeen trainers who had attended a BCP Training of Trainers organised by the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) with the support of ILO and UNDP in early November 2021.

Ms Akosita Waqairawai Varo is a young creative entrepreneur in Nadi who uses non-plastic materials to make art. She also works closely with wood carvers and handicraft-makers to promote traditional designs. “This training will prepare me better, not only in terms of profitability but also long-term sustainability.”

“The training taught me about the importance of protecting my business records and books,” conveyed Mr Daniel Nilesh Raj, a painter and creative arts entrepreneur from Lautoka. “This is critical to help you bounce back and re-start your business after any disaster or disruption.”

UNDP and ILO are currently working with business development providers such as MSME Fiji, the Itaukei Affairs Trust Board, Green House Co-Working, Vou Fiji and the Fiji Enterprise Engine to roll out BCP training to a large cohort of MSME’s. Through the UN Informal Economies Recovery Project, similar initiatives are being implemented in Palau, Tonga and Vanuatu.