LocationsResilience Amidst Disaster: Market Vendors Rise Again
February 5, 2025
Chairman of the Food Security Livelihood committee (far left), Mark Vurobaravo, Port Vila Market Manager, UNDP Vanuatu Area Programme Coordinator Mahina Sheryl and Silae Vanua Market Vendors Association reps during the handover of farming tools.
Port Villa, Vanuatu - The bustling marketplaces of Port Vila came to an abrupt halt when a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck in December 2024, sending waves of panic and uncertainty through vendors and customers alike. This devastating event left many questioning their future and ability to sustain their livelihoods as the market infrastructure was damaged, and vendors now facing the harsh reality of relocation to a new marketplace.
However, the resilient spirit of the market vendors, coupled with the timely intervention of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), has ignited a beacon of hope for recovery. Through coordination with the Food Security and Livelihoods Subcommittee, UNDP has displayed a critical role in ensuring coordinated and effective support for the affected market vendors.
Through close collaboration efforts with the committee, the immediate needs of affected vendors were identified resulting in the distribution of essential farming tools and seedlings. This coordinated approach prevents duplication of efforts and maximizes the impact of aid, ensuring that vendors can rebuild their businesses and contribute to the community's overall food security and resilience. These tools were officially handed over to the Silae Vanua Market Vendors Association, and the Port Vila Market Manager, aiding vendors like Sackline Tuan and Leiwia Norcy Lietuk.
(L-R) Silae Vanua MVA Rep and Ms Sackline receiving the tools support.
Sackline Tuan, a 33-year-old mother of five, vividly recalls the terrifying moments when the earthquake hit. "We all ran out, leaving our products behind.
It was chaos," she recounts. With four years of experience selling banana and cassava chips, vegetables, and fruits, Sackline was left contemplating her next steps amidst the ruins of the marketplace. "I was worried because I didn't have a recovery plan, but thankfully, I still had vegetables and root crops in my garden to sell."
Sackline Tuan, a 33-year-old mother of five.
The challenges were not limited to Sackline’s experience only. Another challenge was the new market location situated further away attracting only those with access to transportation, leading to slower sales and low income. Despite all that, the women vendors are resilient as they still have funds and savings that gives them the strength not to give up and continue with their market sales and business.
Another dedicated market vendor, Marie Stephens, 57, expressed her gratitude for support received. While the earthquake disrupted her sales, the provision of a new tent by the Port Vila Municipal Market for the seaside market has enabled her to continue her trade. Marie, like many others, hopes for future training on creating recovery plans to better equip her for future disasters.
Marie Stephens, 57.
Similarly, Leiwia Norcy Leituk Steven, 61, a market vendor with 15 years of experience, faced significant setbacks. The earthquake not only disrupted her sales of root crops and vegetables but also shook her confidence.
Despite the minimal damage to her home and garden, the absence of a recovery plan left her feeling vulnerable. Leiwia hopes for targeted training to strengthen their resilience and equip vendors with the skills needed to create their own recovery plans as Vanuatu is often faced with 2 to 3 natural disasters annually.
Leiwia Norcy Leituk Steven, 61, a market vendor with 15 years of experience.
Kuramata Heggar Makali, 38, a mother of four.
Kuramata Heggar Makali, 38, a mother of four, described the earthquake as both surprising and terrifying. Her immediate concern was the safety of her children. Fortunately, her home and garden remained intact, allowing her to continue selling vegetables, root crops, and fruits. Although she did not receive external assistance, her savings with ANZ Bank provided a financial cushion.
The collective efforts of UNDP and the Food Security and Livelihoods Subcommittee have been instrumental in ensuring the effective distribution of farming tools and seeds. The official handover was attended by the Chairman of the Food Security Livelihood committee, Mr. Mark Vurobaravo, and other key stakeholders and marked a significant step towards recovery.
The resilience of Port Villa’s market vendors is a testament to their strength and determination to recover and get back to business. With the right support and resources, they are not only restoring their businesses but also fostering a renewed sense of community, hope, and aspiration. While the road to recovery may be long, their perseverance, combined with continued assistance, ensures that they will regain their livelihoods and contribute to the economic and social fabric of Port Vila.
The M4C project is implemented by UN Women in partnership with UNDP and with support from the Government of Australia.
For more information, please contact:
Josian Merick, Project Associate, M4C Vanuatu josian.merick@undp.org, and Vilisi Veibataki, Markets for Change Project Manager, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | vilisi.veibataki@undp.org | +679 3227701
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