Poverty is a challenge in Fiji despite the continuous support from Government.

Those were the words of Permanent secretary in the Prime Minister's Office Colonel Pio Tikoduadua during the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty yesterday.

Colonel Tikoduadua said poverty is a threat to the country's progress as a developing island nation.

The 2008-2009 Household and Income Expenditure Survey by the Bureau of Stats shows poverty in urban areas declined from 28 per cent to 19 per cent while in rural areas it increased from 40 to 43 per cent.

Colonel Tiokoduadua said that while Government is doing its part through the Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress and the Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development 2009-2014, he has called on all stakeholders to join hands and address the problem.

He added that the fight against poverty demands the involvement of all stakeholders, including the Government, non government organisations, private sectors, churches and the vanua.

Meanwhile heeding the call by government for stakeholders to join hands and address the poverty, many rural organisations yesterday showcased their handicrafts and products at the Suva Civic Auditorium, showing that they have taken the initiative to earn a living for themselves.

One example is the Northland Women’s Club and spokesperson Marrica Tuikenatabua said women from the villages of Vugalei, Naimasimasi and Drauvuni have been selling a number of handicrafts, quilts and delicacies for a number of years which has earned them a decent income.

Tuikenatabua added this is something all I-taukei's in rural areas should take advantage of since they are blessed with the gift of land and should be well utilised.

Meanwhile Lasiasa Kurusiga of Lapita Honey who was also at the Expo yesterday, said since setting up operations in February this year, they have been buying honey from farmers in Kadavu and the response from farmers has been overwhelming.