[imagesource: Talei Tora / Guardian]

Karl Marx famously stated “from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs”, in his critique of the Gotha Program in 1875.

The principle refers to free access to and distribution of goods, capital and services, in favour of a society where no one goes without what they need to live.

This sentiment has arguably been revived in some way during the pandemic, as people exchange goods and services that are hard to come by.

During alert level 5 in South Africa, a number of people were swapping or exchanging items not considered essential at the time, such as sewing kits to make masks, or other items behind the red tape in stores.

In Fiji, they’ve taken it a step further.

Here’s The Guardian:

Two piglets for a pre-loved kayak, a taxi fare in exchange for fresh produce, hot cross buns for online tutoring, an old carpet for a professional photography session, vegetable seedlings for homemade pies, and offers to have backyards cleaned for prayers.

These are just a few examples of the hundreds of barter trades that are taking place across Fiji since a Facebook page “Barter for Better Fiji” was created a few weeks ago in response to sharp falls in employment due to coronavirus. The page now has more than 100,000 members, in a country of just under 900,000 people.

The Facebook page was set up by Marlene Dutta, a business skill development consultant.

“For many people across the world and Fiji, money will be harder to come by and even harder to stretch out. The idea is to have an avenue where people get some things they need or want without spending money and that will help a lot and save their limited cash for bills, utilities, transport and other things that they need money for.”

The Facebook page makes it clear that no money will be accepted in exchange for goods or services to ensure equality. Similar groups have been set up across the Pacific nations such as Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

Maca T Tabuya, a church pastor in Nadi, Fiji, has conducted her ninth barter trade to help families that are struggling due to the Covid-19 crisis.

“Initially I bartered out of interest, but I now barter to help other people as I noticed that there are many families that need groceries because they have lost their jobs and they don’t have much to trade. I offer them groceries for whatever they are able to trade because I would love to help them.”

The Facebook page is a modern version of a centuries-old tradition practised by indigenous Fjians.

It’s certainly something to consider…

[source:guardian]