Samoa:  Commercial Garden 

 
Lalomalava District working with the Rotary Clubs of Wellington and Karori.
Another example of District Grants at work.
 
While the first impressions of a visitor to Samoa are that the countryside is lush and highly productive, the reality is somewhat different. Agriculture is primarily subsistence and reliant on a narrow range of traditional crops. Regular water supply to fields is difficult and often requires the installation and maintenance of pumps and piping. Fresh vegetable greens are scarce and as a result, often missing from the local diet and the meal options for restaurants and resorts serving the tourist trade.
 
Rotary plaque at the garden
 
The Rotary clubs of Wellington and Karori were therefore immediately interested when invited to explore the establishment of a commercial garden in Lalomalava Village on the island of Savaii. The concept of a commercial garden producing salad greens and herbs for resorts and restaurants came from an entrepreneurial village leader, who already had some experience of operating social enterprises.
 
The clubs assessed the business case for the garden and were satisfied that it was robust, allowing for a reasonably quick establishment and growing period. The project would provide employment for villagers and would build skills in a range of areas, from horticulture, sales and marketing, to office administration. The project would also encourage the villagers to learn from the experience of the garden in producing healthy crops to diversify the normal diet.Primary school children visiting the garden
 
Over an 18 month establishment phase, the two clubs worked closely with the project promoters, and with expert advisers supported by the Tindall Foundation and Volunteer Service Abroad.
 
Funding from the two clubs, plus a District Grant, provided initial working capital, while NZ Aid and the New Zealand High Commission provided funding for capital works and equipment.                                                                                                                                                                                      
 
Award for the garden
 
Future developments may include diversification into fruit trees and other crops with export potential.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       School children visiting the garden