South Pacific Agricultural News Span · 2017. 4. 26. · South Pacific Agricultural News Aug 2016 2 Ms Tausala Cook spoke of her experience currently, as a stu-dent in the university

SPAN Vol. 41, No. 8 August 2016 ISSN 1015 - 950

Span

South Pacific Agricultural News—Institute for Research, Extension & Training in Agriculture

IRETA

F ourteen secondary schools from around Upolu participated in this year’s USP Alafua Open Day. Among

the visitors were Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, CEOs, Managers, Representatives and Di-

rectors, families, friends, USP staff and students of Alafua campus.

The program started with a prayer by Rev. Vavatau Taufao followed by the welcoming remarks by SAFT

Head of School, Assoc. Prof Mohammed Umar. “We need students to do science and agriculture and more as

researchers and advisors to help our farmers”, said Assoc. Prof Umar. He encouraged them to think deeply

about the uniqueness of this country and the place it will have on the world stage if it gains permaculture

and organic agriculture leadership in the Pacific.

The keynote address was delivered by Hon. La’aulialemalietoa Polataivao Fossie Schmidt, Minister for Agri-

culture & Fisheries and Scientific Research Organization of Samoa. He was honoured to be part of the USP

Alafua Open Day and he encouraged the students to be keen in their studies and never neglect the support

from their communities, their families and friends.

USP Alafua Open Day ...pg 2

Student Research Projects ...

pg 3 - 6

Editor in Chief : Mohammed Umar Publications Officer : Dolly Autufuga Email : [email protected]

News Bits ...pg6

IMAGES ...pg 12

Alafua Campus Open Day “Shaping your future”

The Winner of the UK Young Scientist of the

Year Award 2016 ... Pg 7

Savaii USP Career

Expo ... Pg 8 - 9

Manual for Soil Conservation and

Land Management in Samoa ... Pg

10

JOSPA Call for Papers ... Pg 11

2 South Pacific Agricultural News Aug 2016

Ms Tausala Cook spoke of her experience currently, as a stu-

dent in the university and she was grateful to have the oppor-

tunity to study at USP majoring in Agriculture. Concluding re-

marks were said by Campus Director Leatuaolevao Ruby Vaa

and she talked about the opportunities available on campus.

The most exciting part of this year’s Open Day was the USP

Pageant where five beautiful ladies from five different islands

of the Pacific competed for the title of Miss USP. The five la-

dies from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji

competed for Best Sarong, Best Traditional Wear and Best In-

terview. All of them are studying Bachelor of Agriculture de-

gree with Miss Solomon Islands as the only Postgraduate stu-

dent. All contestants were remarkable and beautiful in their

outfits and showed true confidence and pride in representing

their respective countries. At the end of the pageant, Miss

Tonga took Best Sarong, Miss Solomon Islands took Best Tradi-

tional Wear and Miss Vanuatu took Best Interview. Overall, all

ladies were winners and they each received $100 from the

Head of SAFT.

The display sites were crowded with touring students from dif-

ferent schools and visitors. The students were able to view

different display booths which included the IRETA livestock

animal, Library, Tissue Culture, Agribusiness, Plant Protec-

tion, Agriculture Engineering, Information Technology, Soil

Science, Student Admin Services, Book Shop, Foundation Stud-

ies and the Biology Display. The farm (livestock and crops)

products were on special prices sale for this Open Day.

Alafua Campus Open Day “Shaping your future”


F amily poultry farming is essential to poor households

as a means of food security and a source of income.

Organizations like FAO and others have been active

supporters of family poultry production to alleviate poverty,

hunger and promote gender equality in developing coun-

tries. This industry has potential to increase livelihood of

locals and it would be beneficial to the farmers to know how

to sustain it. Despite the increasing interest in family poul-

try farming, there is no recent documented study on this

sector in Samoa.

The main objective of the study investigated by AG383 stu-

dents Evangeline Potifara, Salanieta Laqueti, Sateki Talia

and Lesieli Tu’itupou supervised by Dr. Siaka Diarra, was to

assess the current state of family poultry production in

Upolu by gathering information on the current state of the

industry, assessing problems facing the industry and making

suggestions on measures of improvement.

Data used in the study were collected from family poultry

farmers from different villages in Upolu, Samoa through

field survey. A total of 20 family poultry farmers was inter-

viewed. Information collected included feeding, housing,

production parameters, chicken mortality, common dis-

eases, disease control and other management practices.

The study concluded that there is a growing interest in fam-ily poultry farming in Samoa and in recent years increasing number of farmers have registered with the Ministry of Agri-culture and Fisheries. At the moment however, flock pro-ductivity is still low mainly due to inadequate feed supply, poor hatchability and predation among others. The high market for the products and freedom from major poultry diseases are however opportunities.

Family poultry farming in Upolu: Constraints

and Opportunities

No house, the birds are free to

roam around anywhere

House is provided with the

available resources

Feed is provided and birds are

also allowed to scavenge

Birds roam around looking for their own feed


T his study by AG383 students Lenior Taro, Michael Vatigava, Isabella Rasch and Selina

Oikali under the supervision of Dr. Siaka Diarra was conducted to discern the effect of

coconut oil slurry (COS) treated ta’amu meal as an alternative source of energy for

Shaver Brown laying hens by studying the effect on feed consumption, egg production and egg

qualities. The experiment was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the USP-IRETA livestock farm

at Alafua Campus.

Based on results obtained, it was concluded that ta’amu root meal treated with coconut oil slurry can be included at 20% maize in laying hens diet. Inclusion on treated ta’amu meal supports egg production with-out affecting egg quality. Substitution of ta’amu for maize can be beneficial in terms of feed cost. Farm-ers can replace maize at 20% treated ta’amu meal for egg production and to ensure a cost effective produc-tion.

Replacement value of coconut treated ta’amu (Alocasia

Macrorrhiza) root meal for maize in laying hens diet

Analyzing trends of area, production and exports of

palm oil, copra and cocoa in Solomon Islands

I nformation on the time series data on production and exports of crucial crops identifying

significant patterns in the agricultural changes taking place and factors hindering growth

and development of crops in forecasting future changes are not available for Solomon

Islands. Thus, this research project by AG383 students Lilian Masimua and Max Lazarus under

the supervision on Dr. Jagdish Bhati aimed to analyze the trends of area, production and ex-

ports of copra, cocoa and palm oil in Solomon Islands from 1990 to 2014.

The research had 3 main objectives. 1) To study the growth and fluctuations in area, produc-

tion and exports of copra, cocoa and palm oil in Solomon Islands during 1990 to 2014. 2) To

comparatively analyze the pattern of production and export of these crops during the refer-

ence period. 3) To identify the factors affecting trends in production and exports of these

farm products in Solomon Islands.

Trend analysis of production areas for copra, cocoa and oil palm crops showed a slow and

steady rise over the years. The production and export of these three commodities were af-

fected by several factors such as domestic prices.

More needs to be done to improve cooperation between the producers, private sector organi-

zations and the government so that local producers may learn to enhance and increase the

production and export rate of these commodities. These researchers will inform policy dia-

logue, influence policy makers and contribute to effective policies for advancing sustainable

development agricultural production and exports.


C assava leaves, a by-product of cassava harvest, are moderate sources or protein.

Cassava leaf protein has a good essential amino acid profile and the digestibility of

the amino acids in high (Eggum, 1972). There are several reports on the inclusion of

cassava leaf meal in monogastric diets but the replacement value of its protein from conven-

tional ingredients has not been documented. Therefore, there was a need to investigate how

far cassava leaf can replace expensive conventional protein sources in diets for young pigs.

The main objective of the project was to investigate of the project was to investigate the

replacement of cassava leaf meal protein for fish meal protein

in diets of young pigs on feed consumption and weight change,

and carcass and gut measurements.

The research was carried out at the Piggery Unit of the USP-

IRETA livestock farm at Alafua campus by AG383 students,

Malakai Koroilagilagi, Manuhola Latu, Sila Isitolo and Ulusa-

gogo Lupea under the supervision of Dr. Siaka Diarra.

The study showed that 30% cassava leaf meal as a percentage of

fish meal in the diet maintained pig growth with no adverse effect

on carcass yield and organ measurements. Further studies on

higher inclusion levels of the meal and pig age are recommended.

Comparison of raising tomato seedlings on different

growth media under green house conditions

AG383 students Vincent Padiachy, Karoti Toto and Asenaca Rokodakai investigated the

best growth medium to support germination and emergence of tomato seedlings, seedling

height and root weight at 4 weeks after germination under the supervision of Mr. Falaniko

Amosa.

At the completion of this research project it was clearly evident that sterilized top soil was

the suitable growth medium for raising seedlings. However, potting mix also gave the similar

results after carrying out the experiment and data analysis.

As for small nurseries, sterilized top soil rich in organic matter should be chosen as a growth medium as this would be economical and through this experiment sterilized top soil rich in organic matter was proven to be the best growth medium. For large commercial nurseries, it would be economical to use potting mix as an alternative growth media if top sterilized soils rich in organic matter are not available in large quantities.

Replacement of cassava leaf meal protein for

fish meal protein in young pig’s diets


A large huntsman spider was located on imported cargo from the Pacific Islands.

Because of the way this spider is able to spread itself out on cargo surfaces it

appears a lot larger and it is also fast moving, both tactics are to avoid being

eaten.

Huntsman spiders, members of the family Sparassidae (formely Heteropodidae), are

known by this name because of their speed and mode of hunting. They also are called

giant crab spiders, because of their size and appearance. Large species sometimes re-

ferred to as wood spiders, because of their preference for woody places (forests, mine

shafts, woodpiles, and wooden shacks).

More than a thousand Sparassidae species occur in most warm temperate to tropical regions of the world, including much of Australasia, Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean Ba-sin, and the Americas.

T his year’s Best Open Day Display was a tie between the

IRETA livestock farm and Soil Science. The best display

was selected by the secondary students during their tour by

completing an evaluation form given to students to tick the dis-

play which they thought was best. Three judges assessed the

display, student evaluation and declared winners. Second place

was also a tie between the library display and the Plant Pathol-

ogy display.

The farm staff brought down a few animals from the farm for

display and placed them in small paddocks the team con-

structed. The soil science staff decorated display boards and

allowed the students to look at different machines and chemi-

cals available in the soil science laboratory. All sections showed

great creativity and team work during this Open Day and for

that it was successful.

USP Alafua Campus Open Day Best Display

2016

Huntsman spider located on wharf cargo

South Pacific Agricultural News Aug 2016 7

The Winner of the UK Young Scientist of the

Year Award 2016

I n becoming the UK Young Scientist of the year, Ms Rox-

anne E-Hady worked on a project investigating climate

change.

Ms Roxanne is currently in her final year

studying A levels (equivalent to Foundation

level) in Chemistry, Geography and Maths at

Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon,

United Kingdom.

During her presentation on August 3rd 2016

with USP Alafua staff and students, she talked about her pro-

ject and how she became so interested in Science. She in-

volved the students with her presentation by asking them

questions on what were some of the main barriers of taking

science as a career and how to bring students to enjoy sci-

ence in Samoa. Lack of resources, lack of qualified teachers

and just the nature of people in Samoa and what they want

to pursue, were some of the responses by staff and students.

Climate change is currently the top issue the world is facing today. Ms Roxanne encouraged USP staff and students that by working together as one people in this world, we will be able to minimize the changes that we are currently facing. Al-though Samoa is just a small country in the South Pacific but we must be aware of all that is happening in the world, and most importantly, we must be prepared of disasters that cli-mate change may bring in the future.

8

U pon arrival at USP Savaii centre on Thursday 4th of August 2016, the USP Alafua

team from Upolu held an orientation for the new and continuing students

studying at USP Savaii. The program conducted by Campus Life Coordinator

Tony Siamomua started with a prayer by IT Manager Sia Matalavea. Campus Director

Leatuaolevao Ruby Vaa gave the welcoming remarks to officially welcome all the stu-

dents of Savaii attending USP, the guests and participants.

Guest speaker of the program was Associate Professor Mohammed Umar, Head of SAFT

and Director of IRETA and he spoke mainly on agriculture. “Agriculture is Science” he

stated. Agriculture is all about food production and Samoa has young soils which are

good for agriculture. He further added that being young Samoans, this is the time to

have the mindset that we must rely on ourselves to produce our own food.

Dr. Siaka Diarra, Senior Lecturer at SAFT also spoke about agriculture. He mentioned all

the programs offered in the School of Agriculture in livestock, crop, agribusiness, engi-

neering and soils.

After the speeches, the students were able to hear from SAS Coordinator, Seulgee Samuelu and Campus Life Coordinator Tony Siamomua on how they can register and en-rol in the different courses offered in USP and other student activities that they are en-titled to. IT Manager also had a session with them on Information Technology and how important satellite tutorials are when studying at USP.

Savaii USP Career Expo Orientation

South Pacific Agricultural News Aug 2016


F ive colleges in Savaii participated in this year’s USP Savaii Center expo held at

the USP Savaii Centre on Friday 5th of August 2016. This year’s theme “Shape

your future” allowed students of Savaii to look forward and start preparing for

the future in their chosen fields.

Rev. Malaeti’a Aiono opened the program with a motivating speech and prayer. Sa-

moa’s nature of a speech is in a form of a joke but behind it is a valuable lesson, and

that is exactly what Rev. Aiono did. He told the students a joke but his message was for

them to strive for a better future not only for themselves and their families, but also

for Samoa. Campus Director, Leatuaolevao Ruby Vaa, gave the welcoming speech after

the prayer. She welcomed all guests and students from the different colleges that were

able to participate. It has been 13 years since the USP Centre was opened in Savaii and

the number of students has been increasing every year according to Campus Director.

There are still more changes yet to be made at the Savaii Centre but all courses offered

at Alafua are being offered in Savaii through Distance Flexible Learning (DFL) mode.

Afioga FuimapoaoNaea Beth Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry

of Women, Community and Social Development who was the guest speaker, spoke

about the future of Agriculture to the young Samoas. She stated that, she has no doubt

that 90% of employment in the future will be based from agriculture and there are a lot

of blessings and opportunities that young Samoans will receive from choosing agricul-

ture as their career. Ms Rona Lee Hadfield presented Rotary Club Scholarship Award to

Gataiolefanuafou Tonumaipe’a which pays for his entire Foundation studies at USP.

Head of SAFT, Associate Professor Mohammed Umar, first time to attend the Savaii Expo, gave the final words. He stated that without agriculture there will be no food and without food we cannot survive. Assoc Prof. encouraged the students to consider agriculture as a career in the future. The students toured around the centre and ob-served different displays prepared by the USP staff from Alafua and Savaii. A few stu-dents showed interest in Agriculture during the tours, but the School of Agriculture and

Food Technology hopes to bring more agriculture programs to the schools in Savaii.

Savaii USP Career Expo


H ead of SAFT, Assoc Prof. Mohammed Umar and Visiting Professor Anabella

Tulin, presented key preliminary findings and draft Manual for Soil Conserva-

tion and Land Management in Samoa, during a meeting organized by MNRE

and with other organizations on the 12th of August 2016, which is part of the

“Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Management of Critical Landscapes in Samoa (SMSMCL)

Project”.

“The projects overall objectives are to strengthen and increase the capacities of the

different national land development sectors by working together in a more integrated

and coherent way at pressing land degradation and soil conservation in the country”,

said MNRE’s acting CEO, Filisita Heather.

Leading Soil Consultant, Assoc. Prof Mohammed Umar spoke firstly on the importance

of this project which will help us improve if we know the limitations. Major challenges

we are facing nowadays are the rising demand of food, dealing with climate change and

increasing food production and the importance of this project will allow us to under-

stand soil profile, our ecosystem and how to adapt to the changes. He also talked about

the places visited for the project.

Visiting Prof. Anabella Tulin presented a powerpoint presentation of all the findings and current status of the manual. A printed draft copy of the manual was presented to MNRE and the participants by which they gave suggestions and comments to be in-cluded in the manual when at final stage and this manual will be available at the end of

the year.

Manual for Soil Conservation and

Land Management in Samoa

MNRE’s acting CEO, Filisita

Heather


The Journal of the South Pacific Agriculture (JOSPA) is a peer reviewed Agricultural

journal which publishes research articles, critical reviews, general papers and short

communications in tropical agriculture. It has highly qualified editors and a transparent

peer review system which normally takes about 6 to 8 weeks from submission of manu-

script to the decision with reviewers’ comments. We are inviting contributions relevant

to agriculture in the tropics for JOSPA’s Volume 19.

Please send manuscripts as email attachments to the editor at

[email protected]

Deadline for submission will be 21 October 2016. Guide for authors will be provided

upon request. Refer to section on Submission of Manuscripts for additional information

required on submission.

For technical enquiries, please contact the Managing Editor:

Sunil Singh (PhD)

The University of the South Pacific

School of Agriculture and Food Technology

Alafua Campus, Apia, Samoa

Tel: (+685) 21671 Ext 272; Fax: (+685) 22347

Email: [email protected]


Editor in Chief : Mohammed Umar Publications Officer : Dolly Autufuga Email : [email protected]

AUGUST IMAGES

Documents

South Pacific Agricultural News Span · 2017. 4. 26. · South Pacific Agricultural News Aug 2016 2 Ms Tausala Cook spoke of her experience currently, as a stu-dent in the university