13 Nov 2009

Families affected by tsunami in Samoa turn to organic produce as business venture

10:42 am on 13 November 2009

Many families affected by the tsunami in Samoa are turning to growing organic produce for niche export to help rebuild their livelihoods.

The destructive waves destroyed homes on Upolu's south coast, and many families have moved further inland, where most still live in makeshift shelters.

The organisation, Women in Business Development is helping families plant banana and other trees, and prepare new sections of land for organic farming.

The Women in Business Development director, Adi Maimalaga Tafuna'i, says they are teaching them how to plant and take care of organics.

"Now that all the people have moved inland, we've started a programme where we're starting to grow bananas and coffee and vegetables where the water is available, and with the support of Oxfam New Zealand we're working on the livelihoods programme."

Adi Maimalaga Tafuna'i