Farmer works harder to overcome struggles

By Nefertiti Matatia 24 June 2018, 12:00AM

Life is challenging for Feterika Taulagia.

But the 39-year-old farmer from Alaoa, is not fazed by it all.

With his humble abode and farm damaged by the cyclone, the Village Voice team found him working on his plantation.

He shares the trials that he undergoes is due to bad weather conditions.

“I don’t have any children,” he said. 

“This is our family land where this house is located. Ever since the cyclone that came to Samoa in the beginning of the year it has damaged the roof of our house and we have to use a tarpaulin to cover the roof.

“The weather has been very abnormal, it is the reason there have been so many problems with not only the house but also our source of income which is our crops.

“We cannot live here because when it rains there are so many leaks on the roof but this house is very important because it is where we rest after working the land and make our food. The only time that we sleep here is when the weather is smooth,” he said.

Every penny that he makes depends on the crops, lately there has been a drop in his earnings because of the poor weather conditions.

“I usually would have $200 to $300 a week. It all depends on the crops if they are ready to be sold. If not then it is less than $200. It is challenging because the crops depends on the weather that we are in. If there is a cyclone or heavy rains, there is a major possibility it ruins the plantation.”

He stated that his family is in need of a water tank because they do not have a water supply.

“We need a water tank because at the moment we are using the river as our water supply. There are three of us but we all work in different areas as farmers. 

“We are all related and we don’t have any access to a water supply.”

For anyone that is willing to help Mr. Taulagia contact 7734358.

By Nefertiti Matatia 24 June 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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