Soil Erosion in Fiji-Problems and Perspectives

Abstract

Soil erosion is a major environmental problem in Fiji. The steepland topography and highly erosive rainfall contribute to high natural rates of soil erosion. Over the past 30-50 years a substantial area of stoping land has been brought into some farm of agricultural production. The impact of this extension of agriculture and increased logging of rainforests on erosion has been considerable but there is a lack of quantitative information on rates of erosion. The effects of erosion include land degradation and decreased productivity, sediment deposition in rivers with subsequent increase in flooding, and damage to coral reefs by transported sediment. Legislation exists for the control of land use and the encouragement of conservation but it has not been widely applied. Land tenure systems, increasing demands for cash income and the lack of strong political commitment to conservation are contributing to the continuing problem of soil erosion.