Tonga – Inclusive Agricultural Strategy for Kava Sector Development

The Tonga intervention focused on developing a Kava National Strategic Plan to maximise export potential and promote sustainable growth in the sector. This was critical to creating economic opportunities for women and youth in a context where Kava production is male-dominated and rural households depend heavily on its cultivation for income.

• Provided targeted technical assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture, Foods and Forests to support the development of a National Kava Strategic Plan.
• Conducted a comprehensive landscape analysis and stakeholder consultations to inform the strategy.
• Produced a draft National Kava Strategic and Execution Action Plan with gender and youth mainstreamed throughout.

• The strategy was acknowledged by the Ministry as a major milestone and aligned with the Pacific Regional Kava Strategy.
• Women’s participation in the Kava sector began to emerge, with early signs of increased engagement.
• The strategy informed policy direction on export and sustainability and is expected to guide future investments and programming in agriculture.
• The intervention laid the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient Kava industry, contributing to economic empowerment for women and youth and supporting national efforts toward food security and sustainable growth.