A calendar to feature and recognise the work of Samoan women farmers and growers in the villages will be launched in the upcoming months. 

The announcement was made during a press conference held at Lava Hotel on Friday.

The Samoan women’s farming calendar is an opportunity to assist 12 farmers to improve their livelihoods by raising the level of activity and creative entrepreneurship on their farms.

This initiative has been co-funded by Ms Sunshine Farms, SPS Biosecurity, the NZ Aid Programme through the project; “improved livelihoods through improved protection of the premium cocoa value chain 2020-2023.” 

With the Samoa Stationery and Books as a major sponsor and distributor in Samoa.  

According to the initiative creator and a cocoa farmer, Fa’alualuo Floris Niu, she said that the calendar is titled: “Growing with Mother Nature 2022.”

Fa’alualuo who is also the owner of Ms Sunshine Farms added that she grew up sitting on the shoulders of her father on his way to the plantation.

“I was raised clutching the shoulders of my mother as she wade out of sea, to fish,” she said.

She also stated that no matter where in the world we go in life, when we return, we always return to the land.

“The sky is clear, so women too can reach the stars.”

Additionally, she also shared that the Samoan people are fortunate to have their own lands and I wanted to inspire our people to come back. 

Fa’alualuo told the audience that she was saddened to learn of how so much chemicals were being used by the locals for farming yet some are not aware of how toxic and damaging these chemicals are not only for the soil, plants but also people.

“But the true inspiration to this is to help women…all of us we carry the DNA of our ancestors but also pushing and promoting organic farming. 

“This calendar will also appeal to people overseas about how we take care of the land.”

One of the women farmers, Priscilla Betham-Tauaa shared that she feels an ancestral connection to their land at Aleisa and doesn’t regret giving up her office job to become a farmer.

Another woman farmer, Fuatino Moli told the Samoa Observer that being a fulltime farmer is rewarding despite various difficulties.

“In life, there will always be barriers, obstacles or problems but we must overcome them so we can reap the sweet fruits.

“My parents were farmers and they passed on their knowledge to me and I believe they are my inspiration.”

Legendary woman skipper, Vaimasenuu Zita Martel, was also among the women farmers and said that she is especially passionate in supporting any women empowerment initiative.

She also added that having an organic plantation is essential for a healthy lifestyle and especially that locally produced food are being farmed without the use of chemicals.

The initiative grew from a desire to: recognise the work of women farmers and growers in the villages; promote the growing and processing of cocoa for export and local products; create more awareness around organic and traditional methods of growing food.

Furthermore, it was also to inspire young women and youth to recognize farming as a viable career option.

Women, who have traditionally been in the background of their father, husband or brother’s work on the land, are coming forth to share their own expertise and experiences in farming or growing food for their communities.

The Samoan women’s farming calendar is an opportunity to assist these 12 farmers, to improve their livelihoods, by raising the level of activity and creative entrepreneurship on their farms.

The farmers featured in the calendar include: Priscilla and Ane Betham; Chenanaiah and Lefiu Hurrel; Tua and Lise Taeaoalii; SiliagaTatupu; Tagaloa Penina Puni; Fa’alualuo; Tausala Cook; Fuatino Moli; Agnes and Melanie Erichness; Aiva and Saunoa; Sesilia Fa’atali Iosefa and Lili Aiesi.