The University of the South Pacific (USP) Alafua Campus is considering holding free clinics for local farmers in Samoa. 

This was highlighted by the USP, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia during an interview with Samoa Observer.

“The campus is not just for research, the acting head of school, Dr. Siaka Diarra has been talking to me about his plans – about intending to make those changes.” 

“We are hoping to have a clinic for farmers to come here and speak to academics and get advice on how to improve their production.” 

“We are planning on looking at certain products that our food and nutrition team can start producing and market effectively,” said Prof. Pal.

The Vice Chancellor also stated that he wanted students in Alafua collaborating with students from Laucala to come up with a business plan on how they will do this. 

“We are not doing this to make money, but for educational purposes.” 

“The clinics will be free and will help them because we are part of the community and we have expertise here and I want people to take advantage of that expertise,” he added.

He also added that the Samoan Government has been a tremendous support.

“The Government of Samoa has been supportive in what we are doing and also of my leadership,” Prof. Pal relayed.

Dr. Siaka also agreed and supported the statements made by Prof. Pal regarding the clinics for the local farmers.

“We should be able to reach out to farmers to conduct researches on farm and assist as much as possible.”

“I believe that we will be making a difference soon and I am happy that the management shares the same opinions as I do.”