A simple, fruitful life

By Aruna Lolani 07 May 2017, 12:00AM

Working the land has been part of life in Samoa from pre-colonial times. 

And while some young people have opted for an urban lifestyle, there are still many who enjoy the satisfaction of growing and selling their own crops. 

Nineteen year old, Salote Joe of Falevao loves what she does every day of the week; waking up early getting her fruit and vegetables from the land and selling it from her roadside stall. 

“This is good for us especially because we live far away from the town area and so we build our own stall to sell our vegetables,” she told Village Voice.

“We want to develop the land where we stay and earn money so this is it, even though we do not earn that much but we are happy with what we earn.”

“Our family doesn’t have anyone who has a formal job like working in an office, all we have is the plantation but we are happy with it.”

“It does take time for a farmer to plant and grow crops and for our family, but we still survive every day depending on our plantation.”

“We give all our time to work on our farm, so we earn enough money that covers for everything for our family.”

“We sell taro, esi, bananas in our market and the money we earn is sufficient.”

“This job is more than enough for me,” she said

“Some people think this is just boys stuff but it’s everyone’s responsibility, if you don’t have work, you can work in the plantation.”

“We see that the cost of living is very expensive and families like ours cannot afford it but with a plantation; we survive.”

“Four of our families live together and we all access the plantation and luckily the soil is very fertile.”

She understands that life has changes and challenges as well but says we have to be strong for the sake of our families as well as our future.

“This is more than enough for me for my families development in the future.”

“I see that our plantation earns enough money for helping our families and for the future of children.”

“Living in the rural area is much more fun and comfortable meaning you don’t have to worry about anything in life.”

“We have access to water which is our own and electricity as well and plus we have food from the land.”

By Aruna Lolani 07 May 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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