Nature's Warning: Fiji's Farmers Read the Winds

Long before sophisticated forecasting tools existed, communities in Fiji relied on nature for early warnings of severe weather. Today, Indigenous farmers continue this practice, observing plants, insects, birds, and the sea to anticipate cyclones months in advance of the season, which typically runs from November to April.

Farmers like Marika Radua note indicators such as wild yam vines creeping along the ground, suggesting protection against strong winds. Other traditional signs include bees nesting low, unusual breadfruit or plantain growth, and changes in sea conditions observed by fishermen.

This accumulated environmental wisdom, known as traditional ecological knowledge, is not based on single signs but a holistic understanding of the ecosystem. It is conveyed through stories and songs and represents centuries of empirical observation, according to climate scientist Joeli Veitayaki and geographer Patrick Nunn.

Recognizing its value, Fiji and other Pacific Island nations like Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa are integrating this knowledge with scientific forecasting. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction announced in 2024 its intention to incorporate Indigenous observations, calling the combination of science and tradition a "total package."

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme has been documenting these natural indicators since 2016. These observations are crucial for remote islands lacking continuous meteorological monitoring equipment, offering earlier and more accessible warnings.

During Cyclone Winston in 2016, traditional indicators like hornets nesting low and seabirds flying inland helped communities prepare by reinforcing homes and storing supplies before official alerts were issued. Researchers emphasize that this knowledge is not a replacement for modern forecasting but a vital supplement, especially as climate change intensifies tropical cyclones.