Five new poultry farming units have opened in Samoa as part of the island nation’s ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on imported meat. The units were constructed as part of the Pacific Regional Integrated Food and Security Initiative to COVID-19 (PRISCO19) project in partnership with the Samoan Government.
Samoan Government Principal Animal Production Officer Seykeen Meleisea says the establishment of the poultry units will provide key support to farmers for improving standards and promoting the livestock farming industry.
New poultry unit sites are located at Sapapalii and Auala on the island of Savaii and Faleula, Vaoala and Siuniu on Upolu. The units are now being used for the farmers’ existing stock of poultry. The chicks and chicken feed will be provided in the next step of the project.
SPC Land Resources Division Director Karen Mapusua says the initiative is a welcome development in a larger effort to improve food and nutrition security in the region through collaborative approaches and strengthened partnerships.
“With the Coronavirus pandemic still raging on and threatening access to food and nutrition security, these initiatives are critical for our region. It fosters sustainable livelihoods as we help build the capacity of farmers to meet productivity demands and quality standards that can further open up opportunities for trade”
Image credit: SPC Pacific Community