Lavenia Mafi is an intern with the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Land Resources Division (LRD). Her role involves supporting research in organic farms.
Can you briefly describe your academic background and how it has led you to pursue this internship opportunity?
I am a Bachelor of Geospatial Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Islands and Oceans Stewardship graduate from the University of the South Pacific. My interest in gaining hands-on experience with field research and data collection has led me to pursue this internship.
Can you tell me about your internship work/project and what inspired you to pursue it?
I am an Agroecology Research and Data Analyst Intern with the Pacific Organic Learning Farming Network Project team. My work focuses on providing support in conducting research for organic farms in Tonga, Solomon Islands and Fiji, as well as preparation of reports and visualisations of results collected from the field. I was drawn to the project because it not only involves hands-on field research but also has a direct impact on sustainable agriculture through organic farming and agroecological practices. The combination of research, sustainable agriculture, conservation, and practical application motivated me to pursue this internship.
How do you think your involvement at SPC will help prepare you for your career?
This opportunity at SPC has provided me with valuable hands-on experience in research, data collection, data analysis, biodiversity assessments, species identification, and many other areas that have helped build up my skills and experiences as a young person. The internship has exposed me to collaborative efforts between researchers, farmers, and policymakers, helping me understand how scientific research translates into real-world impact. This experience is strengthening my ability to communicate scientific findings effectively and contribute to biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices.
Overall, this internship at SPC has equipped me with many skills, as well as the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams to drive positive ecological change and sustainable agriculture.
Are there any specific skills or knowledge areas that you have gained or improved upon?
This internship has helped improve my field research and data collection skills, data interpretation, problem-solving skills, and soil and plant biodiversity knowledge, to name a few. I started this internship programme with nearly zero knowledge of organic farming. Now, after just a few months into this internship, I would say that I have learned a lot and improved my understanding of organic farming and what organic practice is all about.
Any advice you would give young aspiring interns who want to be regional researchers?
To young aspiring interns, stay curious, immerse yourselves in the many hands-on experiences that you will get with SPC and always be willing to learn.
