Samoa - Stage 3
Discussion topic outcome
Based on the discussions at the dialogue, the following were the key solutions identified to respond to the key issues and challenges identified under B) above: Transformation of the agriculture sector to boost local production. Consistent local supply of healthy foods to be addressed through incentives for farmers and fishers and encouraging commercialization. Government to lead specific interventions targeting capacity training for value chain actors and addressing of key issues facing production including, high labour costs in agriculture production, water, transport and infrastructure chal
... Read morelenges and facilitating local and overseas markets for farmers and fishers. Strengthening food safety and standards practice and systems through better enforcement, awareness and coordination between relevant partners, as well as strengthening the food safety policy and regulatory system in Samoa. Food literacy and targeted consumer awareness to ensure consumers make informed decisions to purchase and prepare healthy tasty and affordable meals. Clear messaging and programmes using attractive and easily understood awareness materials for both urban and rural populations. School nutrition education and school food programmes within the governance and support systems of the community and village institutions starting from early childhood education across to senior school form healthy eating behaviors at a young age. Parents and food vendors to be involved in the formulating, implementation and monitoring of these programmes. School food programmes that encourage consumption of locally available foods with linkages to local producers. Promotion of the consumption and availability of local traditional foods, made from locally available produce for healthy diets. Ensuring products are available for convenient consumption by the public. Strengthened food waste data and evidence base to inform policy and awareness programme development and implementation. Capacity building at both household and retail level to build awareness and capacities on limiting as well as handling food waste. Revitalise and promote the use of traditional and indigenous knowledge in agriculture for sustainable land, marine and terrestrial management production practices to go in parallel with conventional methods of production. Strengthen research and development, and extension services for improved knowledge sharing and capacities among partners and users, especially for information such as status of food resources (soil, forestry, weather etc.) to ensure practices undertaken by farmers and fishers are emphasizing conservation and biodiversity. Strengthen policy and regulatory roles for the sustainable management of the different aspects of the food systems related resources. Coordination and dissemination of information from responsible Ministry to ensure the relevant polices and regulations are shared with, and understood by relevant stakeholders. Strengthen the effective engagement of everyone including the vulnerable groups in the discussions confronting institutional and systematic barriers for equitable participation in the sustainable development of livelihoods within the context of the food systems. Promote the role of women and youth in agricultural activities including providing the needed support (access to land and finance, capacity building, networking etc.). Improve the image of agriculture and fisheries as career options and provide a clear pathway for students to capture their interest in studying food related curriculum from a young age. Role of communities and culture in developing the food systems and equitable livelihoods needs to be strengthened through more research and coordinated awareness programmes, as well as customized civic education. Climate resilient practices and resources for agriculture, fisheries, livestock strengthened through research and development, seeds and stocks availability, and capacity building. Strengthen social protection measures in response to impact of shocks in food supply and consumption. Explore opportunities in digital and technological innovations to boost local production and strengthen value chains Read less
Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment