More traps are needed to control feral pigs who are a nuisance to farmers and have been known to ruin crops and vegetables. Local farmers say the issue has persisted for years. Despite building fences, pigs continue to dig under barriers and destroy crops.

“We have problems with the pigs - so many problems,” said Tina Mauga from one of the participating constituencies, Aana Alofi 3. “We put up a fence, but still the pigs find ways to dig under and destroy our crops—even our vegetables. Having this trap is good for us.”

Mauga, who also serves as the Executive Officer for her constituency, specifically in the women's committee, said the traps will help, but more are needed. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries launched the next phase of its feral pig trap distribution program on Tuesday at Fugalei Market, aiming to reduce crop destruction and restore food security for rural farming communities.

The initiative, which was built on a 2023 pilot, is part of the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agri-Food System project, supported by the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

“The growing population of feral pigs continues to pose a serious challenge. They destroy crops, threaten food security, and erode the income of hardworking farmers,” said Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Niuava Eti Malolo.

According to the 2020 Agriculture Census, over 60 per cent of farming households identified feral pigs as a significant issue affecting their productivity and livelihoods.

The government initially distributed 20 traps and has since procured more in response to rising demand. “The request for them has increased, so we brought in another 30-plus,” said Dr Seuseu Tauati, chief executive officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. “This is not the solution to control feral pigs. This is one of the many options we are working toward.”

The traps are not locally made and were sourced from overseas.  Twenty-two traps were distributed at the event and are going to districts that were not included in the 2023 pilot. One trap per district for those present at the event. According to Farani Paoga of Fasitoo Uta, they will take the trap back, and the high chiefs of the village will decide who will use the trap first.

"We will take turns so that everyone can use the trap. It will be helpful for everyone," said Paoga. 

The Minister of MAF emphasised that the traps alone will not solve the problem, pointing to the need for long-term solutions and improved farming practices.

“Fencing of pig farms remains a problem,” said Niuava. “This policy will set the foundation for responsible pig farming and ensure our farmers are supported with the right tools, knowledge and regulatory environment to protect their livelihoods.”

He also called for ongoing community engagement and monitoring of the traps, which will be installed and managed with support from the District Environment Councils.