THE Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) is expanding its educational offerings by launching three programmes at its Ba, Nadi, and Labasa campuses in 2026.
This milestone at FNU’s Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus marks its first CAFF programmes, complementing existing offerings at Ba and Labasa Campuses.
“We will continue to make our programmes accessible to all youths and the people of Fiji and the Pacific,” said Dr Kaliova Ravuiwasa, CAFF Dean.
“We will continue to commit ourselves to improving agriculture, including animal health and production, fisheries and forestry across Fiji.”
While emphasising the introduction of the three programs, Ravuiwasa reflected on CAFF’s commitment to serving Fiji’s people.
“This is also our commitment in supporting the five priority areas of the University, the National Development Plan, and the Sustainable Development Goals as well,’’ he said.
“We understand the living costs in moving to Suva for further education, so I encourage prospective students to enrol in one of these campuses and save costs.”
Ravuiwasa said students should seize the opportunity to help protect and enhance Fiji’s natural resources.
“The extension of the aquaculture programme to the Ba Campus, followed by Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus in 2026, will create new opportunities for prospective students, including aquaculture farmers in the Western Division,” said Dr Ravinesh Ram, FNU Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Fisheries at CAFF’s School of Animal, Veterinary Sciences and Fisheries.
“The Diploma in Aquaculture programme and its courses will play a vital role in empowering coastal and rural communities by providing practical skills for sustainable food production and income generation.
“Through hands-on instruction, community members will learn resource management, low-cost farming for fish, crabs, and prawns, and basic business skills to reduce reliance on overfished resources.”
Ram added that aquaculture education would promote environmentally responsible practices under the Aquaculture Bill and Blue Economy, supporting food security and employment for women and youth.
The introduction of the three programmes is expected to play a significant role in supporting the tourism sector.
FNU’s Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus, the centre for tourism studies, will add an aquaculture programme to boost income and support Fiji’s tourism industry long-term.
“Farm tours, feeding events, harvesting demonstrations, and seafood tastings are all available to visitors, generating extra revenue for local communities,’’ Ram said.
“Sustainable resource usage, cultural exchange, and environmental awareness are all enhanced by the integration of aquaculture with tourism.”
These programmes, which are set to be offered in Semester 1, 2026, include a Diploma in Aquaculture (Level 5) to be offered at the FNU Ba Campus, followed by the Diploma in Animal Husbandry (Level 5) at the FNU Nayaca Campus in Labasa, and the Diploma in Agriculture (Level 5) at the Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus.
Students enrolling on campus for the first time can engage in ornamental fish farming to support their livelihoods, own their farms, and generate income.