DOA indicated the need within the territory of possessing the necessary farming equipment and tools to sustain crop farming within the agricultural community. Farming plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and promoting local agriculture, making these tools indispensable for farmers.
The majority of the farming tools were procured from the local vendor, Tool Shop Inc., as the DOA procurement utilized only Tool Shop due to the availability of stock for the requested farm tools. This decision was also influenced by the vendor's reliability and ability to supply high-quality equipment promptly.
Farm tools were distributed to eligible farmers on both Tutuila and Manu’a Islands to support their daily agricultural activities. Farmers of all types, regardless of the scale or method of farming, were eligible to receive the basic farm tools provided by DOA. These tools were intended to enhance productivity, reduce manual labor, and improve the efficiency of farming operations across the islands.
A list of basic farm tools purchased by the DOA, as approved by the Federal Grantors, includes the following:
- 200 Wheelbarrows
- 160 Chainsaws
- 159 Blowers
- 62 Machetes
- 78 Garden Hoses
- 6 Picks
- 84 Hoes
- 100 Garden/Farming Gloves
- 50 Sprayer Manual 4Gal Backpacks
These efforts highlight the DOA’s commitment to strengthening agricultural practices and ensuring the sustainability of farming in the region.