Kava, the traditional root crop famous for its relaxing properties, has skyrocketed in popularity across Kiribati. This newfound popularity has created unique opportunities and real challenges for its citizens. Ruth Cross Kwansing, Kiribati’s Minister for Women, Youth and Sport, said kava use has increased exponentially since the arrival of the beverage. This surge in popularity occurs on the heels of the increasing expense and the rising importation from close Commonwealth real Vanuatu.
The charm of kava is found in its ceremonial importance, but even more so in the dangerous notion of its economic opportunities. Kava is traditionally consumed after being mixed with water, and it is known for imparting a relaxed state of mind to those who indulge in it. As the popularity for this delicious root crop grows, so do questions about how kava production is affecting the local communities and families of Vanuatu.
Economic Impact of Kava Imports
Over the past year, for example, Kiribati has spent a jaw-dropping $28 million on kava imported from Vanuatu. This figure underscores both the increasing dependence on kava as an economic mainstay and an emerging movement towards localism. The value of kava has jumped ten-fold over the last decade, fetching nearly $100 per kilogram. Fe’iloakitau Kaho Tevi, the chairman of Tonga’s National Kava Committee, described kava as a “savings account” for many growers. It enables them to access cash as and when they need it.
“If [farmers] want to pay a school fee … they will go and uproot one, two, three, four plants, and that is what allows them to pay,” – Fe’iloakitau Kaho Tevi
As international demand skyrockets, kava growers in Vanuatu face an inability to meet this demand on the ground because they lack the necessary labor. The immense influx of workers who are lured away by foreign job opportunities is making it increasingly difficult for local producers to compete. Kava prices in Fiji have skyrocketed from $40 to $100 per kilogram since last November. This continued dramatic increase is driven by increased demand from overseas buyers and fundamentally changes the market dynamics.
For kava exporter Michael Louze, kava’s moment is about more than economic benefits. He thinks it’s indicative of a pretty profound cultural change. Kava, he continued, is an alcohol alternative that encourages a chill culture.
“You’ve got your coffee in the morning to have a bit of a boost and you’ve got your own kava in the afternoon to unwind a bit [at the end] of the day,” – Michael Louze
Community and Cultural Significance
As Kava has been used ceremonially throughout the Pacific Islands, it has deep cultural significance. As Professor Jioji Ravulo, an expert on kava culture, noted, kava cultivations are the lifeblood of community society. He explained that it has long been woven into cultural practices, creating community amongst individuals.
“Kava has for many, many, many years, centuries, been seen as part of what we do to create community,” – Jioji Ravulo
Ravulo further observed that kava is changing in terms of how it’s presented and where it’s available. But now, they’re packaging it in much more digestible forms. In fact, you can even find it in major Australian supermarkets including Woolworths and Coles. He characterized this moment as a critical juncture for kava. Its global appeal is increasing, and it’s really taking off.
While this has created many benefits, community members are now worried about the overconsumption of kava within homes. For example, Ruth Cross Kwansing has noticed that men are now passing their days in bars consuming kava. This pattern of behavior leads to wasted days.
“They’re exhausted from spending the entire night in a kava bar, then the next day … they’re not going fishing, and they’re not being productive around the house,” – Ruth Cross Kwansing
A Double-Edged Sword
As kava’s popularity grows, it brings risks as well as benefits to communities in Kiribati and elsewhere. That’s because the crop can be phenomenally lucrative. Farmers usually purchase high end vehicles such as Land Cruisers with cash from kava sales immediately.
“Farmers are buying Land Cruisers with cash money,” – Michael Louze
The growing international demand for kava has intensified competition among exporters. Praveen Narayan explained that whoever is able to dominate the kava market has the ability to set prices.
“Whoever has got kava will demand the price,” – Praveen Narayan
Market saturation is beginning to set in, notably on the American market, as more exporters enter the playing field. Such high growth leads to more long-term questions about the sustainability of that trend. Tevi emphasized the increasing demand for agricultural product. He urged his fellow panelists to think about the impact of this demand on local farming practices and community relations.
