Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
tenure system perpetuates traditional values while also ensuring subsistence liveli-
hoods, but also has the negative associations of the lak of access to credit or poten-
tial foreign investment. In addition, the future of the agricultural economy has been
negatively impacted by natural disasters and loss of labour to seasonal work oppor-
tunities in New Zealand and other countries.
During interviews, agricultural officials were very cautious in contemplating a
future in whih Samoa might have nihe-market farmers or producers of high-qual-
ity products for the local market. Despite this, the current Samoan Development
Strategy seeks to support small businesses, cotage industries, vegetable production,
and taro and banana hips initiatives. he Ministry of Agriculture views growth in
local agriculture as a means to ensure food security and increase commercial activ-
ity. There is also a clear desire on the part of government to increase agricultural
employment and to promote private sector activity in the areas of copra, coconut oil
and researh into developing biofuels. he ambitions of a nascent biofuels market,
however, are more regional, than global. Although still in its experimentation stage,
the main objective of this government-supported initiative is to lessen vulnerability
to petrol/diesel price-shoks through innovation, using locally-resourced feedstok
and the knowledge economy, to meet a degree of the energy demands of a growing
population and burgeoning tourist sector.
Development from below: niche market production
In the early 1990s, a group of Samoan women formed Women in Business Develop-
ment Incorporated (WIBDI), in response to devastating cyclones, economic hange,
limited income opportunities for rural women and the desire of the Samoan Ministry
of Women's Affairs to support this vulnerable sector. Three concepts are critical in
WIBDI's activities: namely, weaving together tehnology, trade and tradition, and in
so doing helping the more disadvantaged to use their talents, generate cash income
and respect and use tradition. Current projects include fine mat weaving, honey pro-
duction, organic farming and virgin coconut oil production.
Movement into organic farming has been diicult to ahieve, as it requires areas
of cultivation to be certified as having remained out of production for several years
before being declared organically certified. The overlap with national interest in this
approah has been secured through forming links with the Samoa Organic Farmers
Association. Certification by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture,
Australia (NASAA) for organic extra virgin coconut oil, whih commands a premi-
