Chinese Government provides RMB 14.5 million grant for Phase 2 of the China-Samoa Agricultural Demonstration Farm Project (Linked to Record ID#49231, #61281, #61282)

Project narrative

In 2012, the Chinese Government reportedly provided an RMB 14.5 million grant to the Government of Samoa for Phase 2 of the China-Samoa Agricultural Demonstration Farm Project. The purpose of Phase 2 was to establish ten agricultural advisory centers (stations) in Upolu and Savai’i and showcase agricultural technologies that can be used by farmers. The ultimate aim of the project was to improve local farmers' earnings and enhance food security by reducing reliance on imported foods and encouraging the transfer and adoption of modern and more effective agricultural practices to village farmers. Hunan Provincial Agricultural Foreign Economic Cooperation Center was the contractor responsible for implementation. Phase 2 commenced on June 1, 2012. The project ultimately renovated five agricultural advisory centers (stations) — two in Savai’i and three in Upolu — and built four new stations in Upolu. The official completion ceremony for these stations took place on October 15, 2013. The six Chinese agricultural experts who were dispatched to Samoa to support the implementation of Phase 2 also trained 3,700 local farmers over the duration of their stay. Phase 2 ended on May 31, 2014.