rahupan

Rahupan refers to a traditional Fijian practice of communal land cultivation and resource sharing. Historically, it was a fundamental aspect of Fijian society, ensuring that all members of a village had access to the necessary resources for survival and well-being. The system involved collective labor for farming staple crops like taro, yams, and cassava, as well as fishing and other essential activities. Decisions regarding land use and the distribution of produce were typically made by village elders or chiefs.

Rahupan fostered strong social bonds and a sense of interdependence within communities. It was not merely an economic system but also a social and cultural one, reinforcing kinship ties and collective responsibility. The practice helped to prevent poverty and starvation, as the entire village worked together to support its members. While the intensity and form of rahupan have evolved with modernization and the introduction of individual land ownership, its underlying principles of cooperation and mutual support continue to influence Fijian social structures and community initiatives. Elements of this traditional cooperative spirit can still be observed in various forms of community work and resource management across Fiji.