FAO is cooperating with a local non-government organization to promote and up-scale organic farming and food production for farming communities with protected areas in Savaii, Samoa.

Women in Business Development (WIBDI) is an NGO that helps rural families develop sustainable businesses which will make the most of their farm-based resources.

Villages recently decided to conserve the cloud forests by establishing Community Conservation Areas in the highlands of Savaii. In order to improve the villager’s livelihoods WIBDI, working with FAO, is developing organic farming in the lowlands as one way of sustainable land and soil management

Recently, eight villages took part in two separate workshops over two days. These workshops were held to support families who wanted to grow organic produce to sell to local businesses such as resorts, restaurants and beach fales as well as for export of some goods to the internationally growing market for organic products. Families also learned about the importance of preserving the local highlands.

WIBDI executive director, Adimaimalaga Tafuna’i said most farmers who learn the importance of traditional and organic farming to the environment make positive changes to the way they farm. “We are very happy to work with FAO on this project because it helps more families in Samoa make a good living from their organic farms”. Said Ms Tafuna’i.

A farmer who participated in the training said he learned about protecting Savaii’s uplands as well as healthy eating, healthy soil and how to make compost. “The main thing I learned was how to look after the environment through farming. It is important to learn now before it is too late”.

These activities are part of a broader project called the Forestry and Protected Area Management (FPAM) which aims to enhance the sustainable livelihoods of local communities living in and around protected areas, as well as strengthens biodiversity conservation by establishing protected areas and reducing forest and land degradation.

FAO national coordinator for FPAM, Afamasaga Sami Lemalu said organic farming and improving the livelihoods of people living around protected areas were important aspects of this project. “I would like to see continuation of activities in the village. I have witnessed with admiration the hard work by WIBDI and the village members to make this workshop a success. “

More than 80 people attended both trainings. “The turnout was really good and I am very happy to see equal participation of men and women”. Mr Lemalu said.

Follow-up training will take place farmers at the end of March.

Forestry and Protected Area Management project is implemented by FAO and Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This project covers Fiji, Vanuatu, Niue and Samoa.