It is a journey many Savaii residents make annually when mandarins are in bloom, providing a steady source of income lasting two months. Some of them feel this year has been good.

The mandarin season happens only once a year and usually lasts about two to three months. Most of the mandarins come from the big island of Savai'i, where they are mostly grown.

62-year-old Litia Moemauso from Tufutafoe is one of many locals making a living from the mandarin business. She runs her small business in Lotopa, selling mandarins that all come from her village in Savai'i.

“We are making use of what God has given us,” she said. “Even though some of the fruit goes to waste and there are still more trees full, we sell what we can.”

“If there are many customers in a day, I earn around a thousand a day, but if business is slow, I earn around six hundred a day.” 

Although she is from Tufutafoe, Litia is currently staying with family in Falelauniu to be closer to her business location.

49-year-old Lava Noah and his wife also operate their business in Lotopa. They are both from Papa Sataua Village.

“Business this week has been very slow compared to last year and previous years,” he shared. 

“ As there are not so many mandarins left as the season is slowly coming to an end. But there are only a few villagers in Savaii who are blessed with this opportunity,” 

For 60-year-old Taaii from Papa Sataua, the Mandarin business is very important to him as it's an easy way for him to earn an income.

“ This year the mandarin sales have been better and with higher income, compared to previous years,” he said.

When the season is over, the elderly man will return to selling taro and cocoa.

"As a farmer, we use whatever we can to survive on our lands,” said Taaii.  He comes twice a week from Papa Sataua to sell his mandarins  in Vaitele. 

This season is expected to come to an end in July. As it's only once a year, locals engaged in this business have a profit lasting two months.