ABSTRACT
This chapter considers both the impact of cattle on Samoan society and the impact of Samoan society on the farming of cattle and farmers’ experience with cattle. It begins by introducing the respondents in the general survey of cattle farmers of Upolu. Cattle are popular among farmers because they find cattle very versatile, useful and profitable, enabling them to fulfil both traditional and modem requirements and ambitions. Samoan farmers have wide interests and are highly literate. As a result of emigration and family members living overseas many have travelled and been exposed to Western ideas. Within Samoa it is the same for cattle, as Samoans have created their own ‘traditional’ market for beef. Samoan cattle farmers have perceived an opportunity, responded to it and adapted cattle for their own cultural and livelihood requirements, according to their own priorities and objectives, as they strive to improve their lives their way.
