Youth win big in Savai’i agriculture competition
Students from Palauli i Sisifo College in Savai’i were among the winners of an agriculture competition, which was part of the Agriculture Show and World Food Day 2018 celebrations, held in Savai’i this week.
Winners of the school category, Palauli i Sisifo replicated the best demonstration plot in the competition. Following the slogan of “the best fertilizer is your footprint”, the students were able to achieve the healthiest crops. They also skillfully demonstrated the use of tools and equipment to produce the best results.
In other categories, Vaea Simi edged out the competition by winning the individual category. The 34-year-old farmer from Samalae’ulu grows a variety of vegetables such as Chinese cabbages, eggplants, round cabbages, tomatoes, cucumbers and pumpkins. “I switched from growing Samoan tobacco to full time vegetable production about a year ago.” Simi explained. “I switched to vegetables because they have a quicker turn over than tobacco.”
Vaea sell directly to different vendors in Savai’i and Upolu.
The competition is part of a broader project called Strengthening capacity of Youth for Employment and Livelihood in Agriculture, which aims to strengthen capacity of youth to pursue agriculture as a livelihood and employment option.
The project is funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (F.A.O.) and combines the efforts of F.A.O, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, and Samoa Federated Farmers Inc. to address employment challenges for the youth of Samoa.
YOUTH COMPETITION—TCP/Sam/3603 PROJECT 2018
Schools Category
First Place Prize
Palauli i Sisifo College ($700)
Individual Category
First Place Prize
Vaea Simi ($800)
Second Place Prize
Andy Tunumafono ($600)
Third Place Prize
Lokeni Toetu ($400)