Samoa: Gardening

Before Europeans arrived in our islands, Samoans typically subsisted on farming and fishing. Breadfruit, banana, taro, giant taro and, of course, coconuts are the most common food crops, and are still cultivated today. When trading with other islands became more common, pigs and chickens were added to the diet.

A Samoan chief or Matai attains his status based on food production, preparation and eating within his village. The matai and his council (fono) assign tasks and quotas to villagers, ordering the number of taro plants to be grown, which men are to clear the bush, and which women are to weed and harvest. Each villager has his or her own garden, but is also responsible for working at the village garden plot.

Want to learn more about meals made in village kitchens? Wander over to our cooking hut and talk to our Island Villagers. You may be offered a bite or two.