SROS partners with MAF and MDF to eradicate wild pigs

Staff Reporters/

Apia, SAMOA – 04 April 2024 – Wild pigs have been a significant problem for Samoan farmers for years, wreaking havoc on crops and pastures, and hindering agricultural investment.

This week, the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and the Australian and New Zealand Government-funded Market Development Facility (MDF), have taken a crucial step forward in addressing this issue, with the commencement of trials to control and hopefully eradicate wild pigs that pose a threat to food security in Samoa.

Speaking about the initiative, SROS CEO Pousui Dr Fiame Leo expressed optimism, stating, “This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our efforts to mitigate the impact of feral pigs on Samoan agriculture. By trialling innovative management measures, we aim to alleviate the burden faced by farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.”

In launching the trial yesterday, the Minster for Agriculture and SROS, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao said last year, the Ministry engaged leading Samoan hunters and their packs of dogs that went into the forest for weeks in search for a solution to the wild pigs problem.

“But the elements and conditions posed major challenges that threatened not only the lives of the hunters but their animals,” explained the Minister.

Then a farmer who had contact with a company in the United States came up with the idea of the traps that the Ministry later trialled and found to be worth investing in.

The pig trap on display at the SROS Compound at Nafanua that uses food to attract pigs in numbers and will be captured once the gate is locked and need to be put down and meat be used by the villagers.

“So when we were told of this method, we thought maybe this is the answer so we took the initiative to pilot it in Savaii and found it to be a promising solution for wild pigs management,” said Laauli.

But he warned that the method needs patience and the villages to work together with SROS to oversee the training and consultations with communities that will host the traps and trialling the traps across Samoa.

He then announced the twelve (12) districts selected for the trial, 6 in Savai’i and 6 in Upolu.

For Upolu, the districts are Falelatai & Samatau, Leafaga & Faleaseela, Safata 1 & 2, Falealili 1 and Anoama’a 2.

According to Laauli, 22 pig traps are in the country however, the Government wish for all the 51 districts to have one each and he acknowledged the Australian and New Zealand Governments support through their Market Development Facility.

Ten pig traps are funded by the Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and 12 by Australia and New Zealand bought from the GDL Hansel Supplies Limited in the UK.

Laauli said the program takes time to implement and the districts under the leadership of the Members of Parliament (MP) need to work together with SROS to ensure the success and sustainability of the program.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Mr Will Robinson speaking at the launch.

The Australian High Commissioner His Excellency William Robinson said he has a lot to learn about Samoa but is happy to support locally led developments.

“I cannot promise you anything but happy to support,” he said.

Robinson acknowledged that the problem is a hindrance to agricultural investment and food security given that 94% of Samoan households are into agriculture.

The issue of wild pigs destroying farms and plantations was raised in Parliament by the MP for Lefaga & Faleaseela Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe two years ago.

He said farmers have given up working on large farms because of wild pigs.

“We used to send containers of taro overseas but not anymore because everything is destroyed by wild pigs,” he said.

The same sentiment was echoed by former MP Atiifale Fuimaono Samuelu Te’o from Falealili.

“Thank you to the Government for this much needed initiative and not only it will reduce the problem, but villages will utilise the meat for food and also for money if they wish to sell,” said Atiifale.

The Ministry of Agriculture (MAF) will work closely with SROS and the MPs and the District Development Councils on the implementation and in trialling the pig traps project.

MAF CEO Dr Seuseu Tauati emphasised the importance of community engagement in the process, stating, “Effective feral pig management requires the active involvement of farmers and communities. Through consultations we aim to foster a collaborative approach to address this pressing issue.”

The trial will be conducted in both Savai’i and Upolu. The results of the trial will then be analysed and the findings presented at workshops in Savai’i and Upolu.

Representatives from 6 districts with the Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao, Australia’s High Commissioner, William Robinson & New Zealand’s Deputy Commissioner Lavea’i Ioane at yesterdays trial launch.