Apia, Samoa – An emotional Grace Tamasoalii couldn’t hold back her tears as she received the prizes she won, along with three other youths from Savaii, in the Koko Innovation Challenge. The 34-year-old was grateful that her hard work had been recognized, especially when she remembered her cocoa planatation’s humble beginnings.

“I chose koko farming because of the many income streams that I knew would come from it, but it was very hard at first. I had to source seedlings, plant over two acres of land and maintain it constantly,” said Grace. “This is my family’s main source of income and my full-time job. My husband, father and brother helped out from time to time, but it was mainly up to me to ensure this worked, so that meant extra hours and effort at the koko plantation.”

Grace said capital was what she needed most to keep her plantation going. She didn’t have much equipment so the prizes she won via the Challenge were a godsend.

“These are exactly what I needed, but there was no way I could have afforded them on my own. That’s why I got so emotional when I received the prizes; I am so thankful to have these tools to help me take my koko plantation to the next level.”

Grace, who is six months pregnant with her second child, is the only female out of the four winners from Savaii, and only one of two female winners of the Challenge nationwide. There were initially only two winners from Savaii but two more were added, bringing the total number of winners under the Challenge to eight – four in Upolu and four in Savaii.

Worth a total of $31,000 Tala, their prizes included farming tools such as chainsaws, lawnmowers, green house materials, machetes, wheelbarrows, spades, cutters, pitchforks and garden hoses.

Joining Grace in the winning ranks is Lofia Talavou, a 21-year-old from Iva, who has finished school and is now working fulltime on his cocoa plantation. He is already selling his ready-to-drink koko, at $8 each, at his mother’s shop in their village.

“I was surprised when I won and even more so at the prizes that I got. It is so wonderful as a young farmer to have access to these tools that even some long-time farmers in our family and village never had the chance to own. This has made me want to continue to pursue koko farming and take it to the next level,” said Lofia.

His mother, Faaosofia, said she is happy her son is channelling his energy and time into something as worthwhile as cocoa farming.

“Lofia loves what he does and we all support him in this. He’s loved it even more now that he’s seen the potential that koko, and Challenges such as the Koko Innovation, can provide for a young, budding farmer like him,” said Faaosofia.

The other winner is the youngest of the group – 17-year-old Anesi Ah Ching of Vaisala. The Itu o Asau College student does cocoa farming after school with the help of his father, Puleitu Lima. They both expressed how grateful they were for the Koko Challenge as it had reinforced their commitment to continue developing their farm.

“I am so glad I joined the challenge because it has made me even more determined to stay in koko farming. It’s hard but the prizes I’ve won will certainly help me a lot,” said Anesi.

He said he’s doing his best at school but he’s more confident going into the future as he knows that he’s got his koko plantation as his back-up plan. “I love the fact that I can already help my family even when I am in school through my koko plantation,” said Anesi.

His father echoed his sentiments. “I am grateful for this competition as it has encouraged my son to keep at his passion – koko farming. Thank you for helping us develop our farms which we have largely done on our own for years. I welcome these kinds of initiatives as they help take our farms forward,” said Puleitu.

The final Savaii winner is 28-year-old Tauvaga Asa, also of Vaisala. He is a mechanic by trade, operating out of his home, but he does his koko plantation, which is about seven acres big, on the side. But it may now turn into his full-time job. “I entered the Koko Innovation Challenge to challenge myself to do better on my plantation, and I did. Winning the prizes are a welcomed bonus as I can now do more than what I once thought was possible,” said Tauvaga.

His father, Asa Malaemoli, said these tools will go a long way in keeping his son motivated to continue to develop his cocoa plantation.

This is exactly what the Koko Innovation Challenge aimed to do – to stimulate interest in koko farming amongst the youth, as a viable income earner for them and their families. The Challenge was implemented by the Samoa Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with UNDP, under the Youth Employment Programme (YEP).

"In Savaii youth koko farmers, you see the passion and desire to farm the land to support their families and communities. Samoa Chamber looks forward to continue its work in supporting Youth social enterprise and Youth entrepreneurship work in partnership with UNDP. I wish to extend a word of gratitude to UNDP for this opportunity to collaborate on this amazing project and for future initiatives to support and encourage our youth to grow the land," said Lemauga Hobart Vaai, Chief Executive Officer, Samoa Chamber of Commerce.

More than 50 young farmers from around the country took place in the Challenge. The Upolu winners received their prizes last month while the Savaii winners got theirs this month. Due to the restrictions under the COVID-19 State of Emergency, all the prizes were delivered to the winners homes, and Chamber and UNDP representatives went to each winner to present them.

“On behalf of UNDP, I would like to commend the hard work and perseverance displayed by all the youth farmers who participated in the Koko Innovation Challenge. It was a delight to witness the dedication and commitment from the Savaii winners to ensure their families and communities are well supported. UNDP would also like to acknowledge its partnership with the Chamber of Commerce on the successful implementation of this activity as well as the support from the Samoa Koko Initiative Association (SKIA) for their support and mentorship of all the participants,” said Christina Mualia-Lima, UNDP’s Assistant Resident Representative, Governance and Poverty Reduction Unit.

-ENDS-

For media queries, please contact:
Laufaleaina Lesa, UNDP Multi Country Office, Samoa|Tel. +685 23670|E: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org

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