Local women and youth in the agriculture sector have received farming equipment and supplies under an internationally-funded partnership program coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The assistance was made possible through a partnership between M.A.F. and the International Fund for Agriculture Development (I.F.A.D.) as well as the Australian Government.

The distribution of the planting material and farming equipment to selected organisations’ participating in the Pacific Island Rural and Agricultural Stimulus (P.I.R.A.S.) Facility have begun.

The P.I.R.A.S. Facility aims to support COVID-19 food systems and economic recovery across villages by targeting women and youth actively working in the sector to improve sustainable food production and nutrition while also strengthening inclusive local chains. 

Furthermore, the distribution began last Thursday starting in Upolu at participating suppliers before moving to Savai'i where representatives of eligible associations received farming equipment and supplies.  

During the week of the distribution the Faleasi’u–uta Women’s Association received water tanks, tools and equipment for their farming developments and are looking forward to the installation of their tunnel house in the coming weeks.

The Secretary for the Faleasi’u Women’s Association, Asolua Alatimu, said 90 per cent of their membership is made up of women and they are grateful for the P.I.R.A.S. initiative especially during a difficult period. 

Asolua acknowledged the Australian Government, the M.A.F. and the P.I.R.A.S. Project for providing financial assistance to benefit women and youth farmers especially during the COVID-19 crisis. 

“Right now, farmers are struggling to buy planting materials and tools due to high costs,” said Asolua.

“We are grateful for the assistance which will greatly improve our food security, maintain our produce and generate income to help make ends meet.”

The deployment of the P.I.R.A.S. funded supplies to women and youth is a much needed assistance for producers in the sector who need recovery support due to the impact of COVID-19 in Samoa.  

In conjunction with other ongoing Government initiatives currently being implemented by the Ministry, the P.I.R.A.S. project complements the stimulus Packages 1 & 2 including the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity and Marketing Project (S.A.F.P.R.O.M.) Matching Grant Program to further support the development and sustenance of the agriculture and fisheries sector during these uncertain times.

To ensure the funding directly benefit women and youth engaged in agriculture and fisheries related activities for their livelihoods, the Ministry has partnered with N.G.O.s and farmers and fisheries associations who will co-ordinate the activities funded under the P.I.R.A.S. project.

Implementing these initiatives through N.G.O. farmer and fisher associations and institutions – who are currently focused on supporting women and youth – will ensure that the right people who are considered vulnerable will receive assistance in a short period of time

Under the P.I.R.A.S. initiative, seven associations and three N.G.O.s will be receiving disbursements of planting materials, tools and equipment to help support developments by their women and youth members.

As part of the activities planned in the implementation of the P.I.R.A.S. project, the Samoa Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) will provide training in food processing technology as well as post-harvest handling, food preservation and value adding.