FORMULATION OF

A NATIONAL
FIVIMS STRATEGY
FOR SAMOA
END OF WORKSHOP
REPORT

???TC/D/Y5883E/1/2.05/605
 FORMULATION OF
A NATIONAL
FIVIMS STRATEGY
FOR SAMOA
END OF WORKSHOP
REPORT
Matautu-uta, Apia, Samoa,
30 September – 4 october 2002

Prepared
in collaboration with
the FIVIMS Secretariat
by Lafaele Enoka,
National consultant, FAO

Food and Agriculture

Organization
of the United Nations
Rome 2005
The views expressed in this document are those of the author(s)
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 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Contents

Acronyms v

Background 1

Introduction 1
Workshop objective 1
Anticipated outcomes of workshop 1
Workshop facilitators 1
Workshop participants 1
Workshop structure 2

Main overall conclusions 3

Necessary immediate actions 3
Need for an information network and groups that should participate 3
Need for cabinet approval 3
Suggested lead agency 3
Technical proposal 3
Name change for FIVIMS 4

Panel discussion: key points 4

Availability of information in Samoa 4
Necessity of obtaining relevant data 4
Capabilities and constraints of government data 4

Assessment study: key points 4

Key institutions 4
Partner institutions 5
GIS mapping 5
KIDS 5
Consideration of priority areas identified by Government of Samoa 5

Information strategy: key points 5

Conceptual framework 5
Information strategy objectives 5
Strategic approaches 5

iii
 Cap. 1 | Introduction
Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Information strategy work plan: key points 6

Time frame 6
Outputs 6

Workshop conclusion 6

Annexes 7
I Policy-makers’ panel discussion – Food Insecurity and Vulnerability (FIV)
information needs for policy formulation and advocacy 7
II Workshop participants 10
III Questions for panel discussion 11
IV Panel discussion on high-level users’ information needs 12
V Conceptual framework for understanding food and nutritional insecurity
and vulnerability in Samoa 14
VI Objectives and strategic approaches for understanding food and
nutritional insecurity and vulnerability in Samoa 16
VII Outputs to achieve outlined objectives of strategy 17
VIII Work plan: planned activities to achieve outputs of information strategy 18

iv
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Acronyms

AusAID Australian Agency for International Development

CBS Central Bank of Samoa
CDC Cabinet Development Committee
DLSE Department of Lands, Survey and Environment
DoS Department of Statistics
ED Education Department
EU European Union
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FIV Food Insecurity and Vulnerability
FIVIMS Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information Mapping System
GIS Geographic Information Systems
GoS Government of Samoa
HD Health Department
JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency
KIDS Key Indicators Database System
MAFFM Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology
MFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
NZODA New Zealand Overseas Development Assistance
PPCD Policy, Planning and Communication Division
SDS Strategy for the Development of Samoa, 2002–2004
TSY Treasury Department
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
WHO World Health Organization
WMO World Meteorological Organization

v
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa
B ACKGROUND
Samoa is one of the five Small-Island Developing
States that piloted the FIVIMS (Food Insecurity and
Vulnerability Information Mapping Systems) Initiative
under the European Union-funded project
GCP/INT/742/EC. Other pilot countries in the project
were Barbados, Cape Verde, Comoros and Fiji. In some
countries, the project focused on the development of a
national FIVIMS strategy.
On 16 May 2001 an initial FIVIMS workshop was
held in Apia, Samoa, to present the FIVIMS initiative and
launch the project in Samoa. In addition to this
workshop, two missions (2001 and 2002) were
undertaken by the FAO/FIVIMS Secretariat to identify
possible stakeholders in a national FIVIMS and priority
areas for the project’s assistance in Samoa.
As part of continued efforts by the FAO/FIVIMS
Secretariat, a follow-up workshop was held in 2002 to
formulate a national strategy and work plan for Samoa.
The following report is based on this workshop.
I NTRODUCTION
The workshop on the formulation of a national Food
Insecurity and Vulnerability Information Strategy for
Samoa was held from 30 September to 4 October 2002
at the FAO Conference Room in Apia, Samoa. This was
a follow-up to the previous workshop on FIVIMS that
was held on 16 May 2001.
Workshop objective
The objective of the five-day workshop was to develop a
clear food security, nutrition and vulnerability information
strategy within the context of poverty reduction in
support of the development of sustainable livelihoods
for vulnerable population groups in Samoa.
Anticipated outcomes of
workshop
There were two main anticipated outcomes of the
workshop. These were:
1. formulation of an information strategy document;
2. development of a detailed medium-term work plan to
implement this strategy as a basis, among others, for
identifying areas for targeted support from the FIVIMS
project within the broader strategic framework.
Workshop facilitators
The workshop facilitators were:
• Mr Maarten Immink (Coordinator, FIVIMS Secretariat);
• Mr Dirk Schulz (FAO Food and Nutrition Officer for the
Pacific);
• Mr Lafaele Enoka (National Consultant).
Workshop participants
Selection criteria for the workshop participants were
based on:
• those who had attended the first FIVIMS workshop in
2001;
• possible stakeholders who could contribute to a
national FIVIMS.
While technical staff participated for the duration of
the workshop, high-level policy-makers were involved in
the first and final day. It was anticipated that the
involvement of the policy-makers was necessary to:
• seek their information needs for decision-making;
• attain their consensus and recommendation on the
formulated strategy on the final day.
Two participants from Fiji also attended as observers
and to share their knowledge and experience
with regards to possible FIVIMS-related activities in
1
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa
their country (please see Annex I for a full list of
participants).
Workshop structure
The workshop was organized in a way that highlighted
FIVIMS information needs and the capabilities of
existing information systems to both policy-makers and
technical staff. Methods employed by the workshop
included a panel discussion by policy-makers,
presentations, and working groups to highlight vital
issues for developing the national strategy (please see
workshop programme in Annex I).
Panel discussion
A panel discussion of six policy-makers was organized
and chaired by Mr Maarten Immink on the first day of
the workshop. The panel was made up of heads of
government departments and institutions relevant to
FIVIMS activities, and included participants from the:
• Central Bank of Samoa;
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA);
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and
Meteorology (MAFFM);
• Health Department (HD);
• Department of Lands, Survey, and Environment
(DLSE);
• Department of Statistics (DoS).
Policy-makers from the Education Department and
the National Provident Fund were also invited but were
unable to attend.
Each panellist was invited to make ten minutes of
remarks on food insecurity and vulnerability information
needs for policy formulation, advocacy, programme
development and monitoring relevant to his or her
institution. In order to maintain a focus in the
discussions, a discussion guide was prepared and given
out to each panellist prior to the workshop (please see
Annex III).
Presentations
Five presentations in all were made. These reported on:
1. the assessment study of existing information systems
and databases in Samoa;
2. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Samoa;
3. overall principles and objectives of FIVIMS at the
global and national level;
2
4. United Nations Millennium Development Goals and
how they relate to a national FIVIMS;
5. possible uses of FIVIMS in policy development and
programme monitoring in Fiji.
The first presentation, which was given by the
National Consultant, Mr Lafaela Enoka, outlined the
assessment study of existing information systems and
databases in Samoa1. The presentation provided an
overall summary of available information systems and
databases, their constraints and weaknesses and
potential contributions to a national FIVIMS.
Mr James Atherton made the second presentation
on GIS in Samoa, with particular reference to the
Department of Statistics. He outlined the ways in which
GIS can be used as a mapping tool for statistical
information.
The third presentation, given by Mr Maarten Immink,
outlined the overall principles and objectives of FIVIMS
at the global and national level. Ms Joyce Yu, Resident
Representative of the UNDP mission in Samoa made the
fourth presentation on the United Nations Millennium
Development Goals and how they relate to a national
FIVIMS. The final presentation was made by the Fijian
participants, Ms Mere Waqalala and Mr Aser B. Rika,
who discussed the possible uses of FIVIMS in policy
development and programme monitoring in Fiji.
Working group
Consensus was reached among participants to form one
working group for the duration of the workshop rather
then to split up into several smaller groups. This was
partly because the number of participants was at times
lower than anticipated, due to the work commitments by
some invitees. The working group made maximum use
of coloured cards, pens and flipcharts to build
participation within the group. On the final day of the
workshop, two participants presented the draft national
food insecurity and vulnerability information strategy to
policy-makers.
Plenary session
The National Consultant and Mr Maarten Immink shared
the role of chair and moderator during plenary
1 Enoka, 2002. An assessment of existing information systems and
databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa.
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa
discussions. Mr Immink chaired the panel discussion on
the first day and the National Consultant chaired the
closing session on the final day of the workshop.
Discussion sessions conducted during the course of the
workshop were informal with guidance provided by the
National Consultant and Mr Immink.
Reporting
Overall workshop reporting was carried out by the
National Consultant. Daily summaries and edited notes
were provided to participants for verification before
every session. The National Consultant also presented a
brief summary of the main issues linking information
needs, information collection, management, analysis,
dissemination and utilization to policy-makers on the
final day.
M AIN OVERALL
CONCLUSIONS
The main conclusions drawn from the workshop
concerned:
• necessary immediate actions;
• need for an information network and which user
groups should participate;
• need for Cabinet approval;
• suggested lead agency;
• development of a technical proposal;
• suggested name change for FIVIMS.
Necessary
immediate actions
In its final plenary discussion, which involved heads of
government departments and institutions, the workshop
agreed on two immediate actions that would ensure the
momentum of the FIVIMS initiative was maintained.
These were:
• drafting of the policy paper by the Minister of
Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology, to be
endorsed and submitted by MAFFM to the Cabinet
Development Committee (CDC);
• development of a technical proposal by the FAO in
parallel with the policy paper with ongoing
consultation to maintain awareness in government and
the civil society.
Need for an information
network and groups
that should participate
The workshop also concluded that a FIVIMS-type
information network was required. It was also agreed that
the development of the information network should be
firmly grounded in the Strategy for the Development of
Samoa, 2002–2004 (SDS). Other user groups in a
FIVIMS-type information network would include the
Cabinet Development Committee, the Food and Nutrition
Council (government institution responsible for
monitoring country achievements in support of the World
Food Summit and the UN Millennium Development
Goals) and the Treasury Department (monitoring
government sectoral policies and programmes).
Need for Cabinet approval
Cabinet approval is essential to implement the national
food insecurity and vulnerability strategy and to facilitate
the development of a FIVIMS-type network. A policy
paper for submission to the Cabinet Development
Committee would require clear recommendations that
need endorsement, and should address issues
including:
• housing of FIVIMS type network;
• make-up of a FIVIMS type network inter-institutional
working committee;
• definition of the working committee’s roles and
mandate.
Suggested lead agency
It was suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture,
Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology acts as the lead
agency in implementing the national food insecurity and
vulnerability strategy in Samoa. It was also proposed
that MAFFM prepare and submit the policy paper on
behalf of other institutions for approval by the Cabinet
Development Committee regarding the FIVIMS-type
information network.
Technical proposal
Parallel to the preparation and submission of the policy
paper by MAFFM, a technical proposal, to include the
identification of high-priority activities for a FIVIMS-type
information network, would be developed by
stakeholders of the FIVIMS-type information network.
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 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa
Name change for FIVIMS
There was also consensus that a name change from
FIVIMS to a phrase that reflects the Strategy for the
Development of Samoa and the multi-sectoral approach
of the FIVIMS project was needed. One suggestion for a
title was “Information Network for Sustainable
Development in Samoa”.
P ANEL DISCUSSION: KEY POINTS
The following key points were raised during the
policy-makers’ panel discussion:
• availability of information in Samoa;
• necessity of obtaining adequate data;
• capabilities and constraints of government data.
(Please see Annex IV for full notes from the panel
discussion.)
Availability of information
in Samoa
Each government department and ministry has its own
information division responsible for the collection,
management, analysis, dissemination and utilization of
data specific to its needs, objectives and mandate.
While a wealth of information relevant to food insecurity
and vulnerability already exists in government
institutions, it appears that the main weakness is the
inadequate inter-institutional coordination, analyses and
utilization of this information to reflect food insecurity
and vulnerability needs.
Necessity of
obtaining relevant data
Relevant data are vital for policy formulation, and the
allocation and coordination of government resources.
Information plays an important role in identifying priority
areas for development and the allocation of resources.
Therefore, obtaining adequate data is vital for FIVIMS in
Samoa.
Capabilities and constraints of
government data
There are varying degrees of capabilities and constraints,
however, faced by government institutions in the
4
collection, management, analysis, dissemination and
utilization of information. Some have access to
advanced technology such as GIS while others have
limitations in trying to collect adequate information
(please see Annex IV).
A SSESSMENT STUDY:
KEY POINTS
The assessment study of existing information systems
and databases drew several conclusions. The study:
• pinpointed the key institutions with relevant
information systems and databases for the set-up of a
national FIVIMS;
• identified several partner institutions that could play a
supporting but vital role in the set-up of national
FIVIMS, and noted several constraints and limitations
that vary in degree from institution to institution;
• noted that GIS mapping is a priority area for FIVIMS
activities in Samoa;
• proposed a possible framework for a Key Indicators
Database System (KIDS) for Samoa;
• noted that formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy
should consider priority areas identified by the
Government of Samoa;
• commented that the national strategy and work plan
take into consideration priority areas, namely the
analysis and integration of statistical information into
GIS mapping when planning immediate FIVIMS
activities for Samoa.
Key institutions
The assessment study identified four key institutions
with relevant information systems and databases for
setting up of a national FIVIMS. Each respective
institution would contribute different types of information
and would provide a broad range of expertise and
experience that could support a national FIVIMS for
Samoa. These are the:
• Department of Statistics;
• Department of Land, Survey and Environment;
• Health Department;
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and
Meteorology.
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa
Partner institutions
The study also identified several partner institutions that
could play a supporting but vital role in the set-up of
national FIVIMS. These include the:
• Central Bank of Samoa;
• Treasury Department;
• Department of Trade, Commerce and Industry;
• Ministry of Women’s Affairs;
• Education Department;
• Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The study noted several constraints and limitations
that vary in degree from institution to institution. These
are related to the:
• collection;
• management;
• analysis;
• dissemination
• utilization of data and information.
GIS mapping
The study stressed that GIS mapping is a priority for
FIVIMS activities in Samoa. Two institutions (DLSE and
DoS) have this capability. The mapping of relevant datasets
and information from existing databases is cited as an
immediate activity for a national strategy and work plan.
KIDS
The setting-up of a possible framework for a key
indicators database system based on existing
information systems and databases is also proposed by
the study. The KIDS framework would assist future
FIVIMS activities in the selection of key indicators that
could help monitor food insecurity and vulnerability
needs in Samoa.
Consideration of
priority areas
identified by
Government of Samoa
A national FIVIMS will be seen as valuable and have
long-term sustainability if it is perceived as a key area
endorsed and in line with the development goals and
policies of the Government of Samoa. As a result, it was
suggested that the formulation of a national FIVIMS
strategy take into consideration areas outlined in the
Statement for the development of Samoa, 2002–2004
that are identified as a priority by the government. These
areas include the analysis and integration of statistical
information into GIS mapping when planning immediate
FIVIMS activities for Samoa. Furthermore, it is important
that the development of FIVIMS activities consider
constraints and weaknesses of existing information
systems and databases.
I NFORMATION STRATEGY:
KEY POINTS
The main elements of the information strategy discussed
and formulated in the workshop included:
• a conceptual framework for the information strategy;
• information strategy objectives;
• strategic approaches.
Conceptual framework
A conceptual framework for understanding food
and nutritional insecurity and vulnerability in Samoa
was developed based on priority areas and
development policies identified in the Strategy for the
development of Samoa, 2002–2004. The framework
was adapted and modified from a FIVIMS framework
to reflect the reality and needs in Samoa (please see
Annex V).
Information strategy
objectives
Three main objectives were developed based on the
conceptual framework. These are:
1. to improve the utilization of information as a basis for
targeted action and intervention;
2. to enhance the collection, analysis, management and
dissemination of information;
3. to improve inter-institutional collaboration and
coordination (please see Annex VI).
Strategic approaches
Based on the objectives of the information strategy,
seven strategic approaches were formulated. These
were:
1. institutional capacity building: human resources;
2. institutional capacity building: infrastructure and
equipment;
5
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

3. continual improvement and updating of methods and Time frame

techniques;
4. establishment of effective mechanisms for
coordination;
5. promotion of interest and awareness in clearly
defined user groups about relevant information
systems;
6. assurance of adequate funding; and
7. definition of institutional information mandates (see
Annex VII).
In order to allow the information strategy to contribute to
and support the monitoring process of the SDS, the time
frame for the work plan was set in line with the SDS,
which has a three-year planning cycle.
Outputs
Nine outputs have been developed to achieve the three
objectives of the information strategy. These outputs all
have associated activities that are planned and laid out
in the work plan (please see Annex VIII for a more
detailed summary of the work plan formulated for the

INFORMATION
STRATEGY WORK PLAN:
information strategy.)

KEY POINTS

The main elements of the work plan as discussed and

W ORKSHOP CONCLUSION

developed in the workshop were: The FAO Officer in Charge, Mr Stefano Bonezzi, on
• time frame; behalf of FAO and the FIVIMS Secretariat, thanked
• outputs. Government representatives and participants before
officially closing the workshop

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 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Annex I
Policy-makers’ panel discussion –
Food Insecurity and Vulnerabilty (FIV)
information needs for
policy formulation and advocacy

The expected outputs include the formulation of an

W ORKSHOP PROGRAMME information strategy document and a detailed medium-

The overall objective is to develop a clear food security,
nutrition and vulnerability information strategy within the
context of poverty reduction and supporting sustainable
livelihoods of vulnerable population groups.
term work plan to implement this strategy as a basis,
among others, for the identification of areas for targeted
support from the FIVIMS project within the broader
strategic framework.

Monday, 30 September
8.00 a.m. Registration of participants
8.30 a.m.–9.30 a.m. Opening remarks
Prayer (The Revd Eteuati Salesa)
FIVIMS Secretariat (Mr Maarten Immink)
FAO Representative (Mr Stefano Bonezzi)
Government of Samoa Representative, Minister of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology
(Hon. Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau)
9.30 a.m.–10.00 a.m. Morning tea/coffee
10.00 a.m.–10.05am Workshop objectives and expected results (National Consultant)
10.05 a.m.–11.00 a.m. Session 1: panel discussion
“FIV information needs for policy formulation and advocacy” (Chair: Mr Maarten Immink)
11.00 a.m.–11.15am Workshop methodology (National Consultant)
Points of clarification
11.15 a.m.–12.00 p.m. Summary presentation of inventory assessment study (National Consultant)
General discussion, summary statement
12.00 p.m.–1.00 p.m. Lunch
1.00 p.m. –3.00 p.m. Session 2: GIS Presentation (Mr James Atherton)
“GIS in Samoa and the Samoa Department of Statistics”
General discussion, summary statement
3.00 p.m.–3.20 p.m. Afternoon tea/coffee
3.20 p.m.–4.00 p.m. Session 3: Working group 1 discussion
“Objectives and approaches of a national strategy”
4.00 p.m. –4.30 p.m. Summary of first day’s work
4.30 p.m. End of first day
6.00 p.m.–8.00 p.m. Cocktail reception offered by FAO/FIVIMS

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 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Tuesday, 01 October
9.00 a.m.–9.30 a.m. FIVIMS presentation (Mr Maarten Immink)
“FIVIMS at the global and country level”
9.30 a.m.–10.00 a.m. UNDP presentation (Ms Joyce Yu, UNDP Resident Representative)
“UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG)”
10.00 a.m.–10.30 a.m. Session 3: Working Group 1 discussion continued
“Objectives and approaches of a national strategy”
10.30 a.m.–10.45 a.m. Morning tea/coffee
10.45 a.m.–11.30 a.m. Working Group 1 continued
11.30 a.m.–12.00 p.m. Summary reports of the working groups
Working Group rapporteurs
General discussion
12.00 p.m.–1.00 p.m. Lunch
1.00 p.m.–3.00 p.m. Session 4: Working Group 2
“Major areas of required action”
3.00 p.m.–3.15 p.m. Afternoon tea/coffee
3.15 p.m.–4.00 p.m. Working Group 2 continued
4.00 p.m.–4.30 p.m. Summary reports of the working groups
Working Group rapporteurs
General discussion

Wednesday, 02 October
9.00 a.m.–10.00 a.m. Drafting of the strategy outline
10.00 a.m.–10.20 a.m. Morning tea/coffee
10.20 a.m.–12.00 p.m. Session 5: Plenary discussion
“Discussion of strategy outline”
12.00 p.m.–1.00 p.m. Lunch
1.00 p.m.–3.00 p.m. Session 6: Working Group 3
“Work plan to implement the strategy and address constraints and opportunities”
3.00 p.m.–3.20 p.m. Afternoon tea/coffee
3.20 p.m.–4.00 p.m. Working Group 3 continued
4.00 p.m. –4.30 p.m. Summary reports of the working groups
Working Group rapporteurs
General discussion

Thursday, 03 October
9.00 a.m.–10.00 a.m. Session 7: Plenary discussion
“Revisiting the strategy given the work plan outline”
General discussion
10.00 a.m.–10.20 a.m. Morning tea/coffee
10.20 a.m.–12.00 p.m. Session 8: Plenary discussion
“Revisiting the work plan outline given the strategy modifications”
12.00 p.m.–1.00 p.m. Lunch
1.00 p.m.–4.30 p.m. Preparation of next day’s presentation on the strategy and work plan

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 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Friday, 04 October
9.30 a.m.–10.00 a.m. Session 9: Plenary discussion
Summary of main issues linking information needs, information collection, management, analysis and
dissemination (National Consultant)
10.00 a.m.– 10.30 a.m. Presentation of FIV strategy, workshop participant (Ms Christine Quested, Health Department)
10.30 a.m.–11.30 a.m. Presentation of the work plan, workshop participant (Mr Toni Aiolupo, Ministry of Agriculture, Forests,
Fisheries and Meteorology)
General discussion, summary statement
11.30 a.m. Closing session (FAO Representative)
Morning tea/coffee

9
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa
Participant
Panel discussion participant
Hon. Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau
Mr Mose Sua
Mr Seumanutafa M. Iakopo
Mr Philip Penn
Ms Christine Quested
Mr Tuuu Ieti Taulealo
Mr Sefuiva Muagututi’a Reupena
Ms Joyce Yu
Mr James Atherton
Technical participant
Mr Tony Aiolupo
Mr Toni Mulipola
Mr Bismarck Crawley
Ms Christine Quested
Ms Mativa Mulipola
Mr Karras Lui
Mr Leoo Polutea
Ms Mere Waqalala
Mr Aseri B. Rika
Ms Christina Soti
Mr Paul Meredith
Mr Frank Fong
Ms Susan Faoagali
Ms Sharon Potoi-Aiafi
10
Designation
Minister
Secretary
Director
Assistant Governor
Principal Nutritionist
Director
Government Statistician
Resident Representative
GIS Expert
Senior Livestock Officer
Principal Fisheries Officer
GIS Consultant
Principal Nutritionist
Senior Statistician
Senior Economist
GIS Specialist
FIVIMS Focal Point
Director
Nutritionist
Assistant Secretary
Assistant Director
Lecturer
Senior Officer
Annex II
Workshop participants
Institution/organization
Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology
Central Bank of Samoa
Health Department
Department of Lands, Survey and Environment
Department of Statistics
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
GIS Consultant
Animal Production and Health Division
Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology
Phone: 26529 / Fax: 26532
Fisheries Division
Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology
Phone: 26292/20365 / Fax: 24292 / a.mulipola@hotmail.com
Department of Lands, Survey and Environment
Phone: 22481 / Fax: 23176
Nutrition Centre, Health Department
Phone: 21212 / Fax: 21440 / c_quested@hotmail.com
Department of Statistics
Phone: 63600 / Fax: 24675 / mlmulipola@lesamoa.net
Central Bank of Samoa
Phone: 34226 / Fax: 20293 / cbs@samoa.net
Department of Lands, Survey and Environment
Phone: 22481 / Fax: 23176
Ministry of Agriculture, Sugar and Land Resettlement – Fiji
Department of Social Welfare, Fiji
Nutrition Centre, Health Department
Phone: 21212 / Fax: 21440
Economic Policy and Planning Division, Department of Treasury
Phone: 22975/34324 / Fax: 21312
Policy, Planning and Communication Division
Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries & Meteorology
Phone: 22561 / Fax: 22171 / frankf@samoa.ws
Food & Textiles Technology, Faculty of Education,
National University of Samoa
Phone: 20072
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Phone: 63320 / Fax: 21504 / mfa@mfa.gov.ws
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa
Questions for panel discussion
P lease find outlined below the objective of the panel
discussion and questions that will help facilitate this
session.
Objective of Session 1:
to discuss the food insecurity
and vulnerability information
needs for policy formulation
and advocacy
• Please briefly describe the processes by which
decisions in your institution are made with respect
to policy initiatives, policy evaluation and monitoring,
and planning, and the role that information plays
in these processes. Is information heavily relied
upon or not? Could you provide some specific
examples?
Annex III
• If information is relied upon at least to some degree,
please describe what type of information is currently
being used, and what are its sources. What
information is generated, collated and/or managed
within your own institution? For what types of
information does your institution rely on outside
sources (which?)
• What do you see as the main constraints and
obstacles to having timely access to this type of
information both from within your own institution as
well as from outside agencies?
• What additional information do you think would
improve decision-making with respect to policy
initiatives, planning etc, and what would be the best
sources, in your opinion, for this information? Can you
give specific examples that illustrate what type of
information would be needed for which types of
decisions?
11
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Annex IV
Panel discussion on
high level users’ information needs

Ministry of
Agriculture, Forests,
Department of Fisheries,
Ministry of Foreign Lands Survey and Central Bank of Department of Meteorology
Health Department Affairs (MFA) Environment (DLSE) Samoa Statistics (DoS) (MAFFM)

Culture of Sympathy exists for Department has no Has no specific policy Mandated by Ministry is complex as
information-based poverty alleviation specific policy on on food security. Statistics Act to indicated by the
management is being projects. food security. In 1980s: qualitative collect and analyse name: hence,
promoted. Poverty alleviation is Has tools and credit guidelines to information on timely information is also
Has internal statistics one of the focus areas information that ensure stability of basis. complex.
unit. of the GoS. would be of use to supply. Collects and analyses Objective is to have
food security (e.g. In 1998: liberalization information for other enough food of
land-use capability). – macro-policy is on ministries and acceptable quality.
Does its own data economic growth with departments. Food security needs
analysis. price stability. to be seen in a
different context.

No rigid way of Information used for: Policy development is Fugalei market price Importance of Process of policy
initiating policies, coordination of donor long process - can surveys. statistics in policy- formulation similar to
usually two ways: assistance; take up to ten years. CPI (compiled by making has only been other ministries.
(1) Internal initiation: proposals for No policy officers in Department of realized recently. MAFFM has an
divisional development. department to Statistics) is key Publishes most information section
heads/directors Need to focus on develop and source of information. information in and as of recently a
discuss problems Samoa’s priority coordinate. CPI contains 60% statistical abstracts. policy and planning
and initiate policy needs (not all can be food items in basket. section.
development. fulfilled – need to
(2) External initiation: prioritize);
discussions with MFA needs line
external clients departments to have
leading to policy information to decide
initiation. allocation of
resources.

Continued

12
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Annex IV (continued). Panel discussion on high level users’ information needs

Ministry of
Agriculture, Forests,
Department of Fisheries,
Ministry of Foreign Lands Survey and Central Bank of Department of Meteorology
Health Department Affairs (MFA) Environment (DLSE) Samoa Statistics (DoS) (MAFFM)

Process: Issues: Issues: Issues: Issues:

Drafting process by Land security Erratic supply. Focus on Currently no
divisional (access) and food Seasonal patterns of presentation and capability to manage
directors/technical security. supply/fluctuation of translation in simple GIS.
staff -> Cabinet Impact of utilization of prices. language that makes Need to tap into
Development customary land (80% Only 4% of land is it accessible to all existing GIS.
Committee policy of land) on food freehold - little users (instead of Sources of
paper -> Health security. collateral for obtaining collecting additional information:
Planning Division. loans. information). surveys.
Now: Government GIS easier for users Rapid Rural
Loan Guarantee to understand than Appraisal.
scheme. tables. Need a mechanism to
use information and
translate into action.

Evaluation of policies Land-use information Need

carried out in two system - could food threshold/definition of
main hospitals using security information food insecure.
ICD10 coding system. system be linked into
Information limited to this?
hospitals and surveys.

Community-based
Health Information
System (HIS) under
development.

Problems/constraints:
• HIS under
development
• surveys expensive
• software expensive.

13
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Annex V
Conceptual framework for understanding food
and nutritional insecurity and
vulnerability in Samoa
A guide for the development of an
information network

National and sub-national level National and su

Socio-economic and political environment

Macroeconomic framework
• Balance of payment
• Price stability for food Food availability
• Market prices for non-food and food items (trends and levels)
• Food pricing (taxation)
• Production
Education standards
• Imports (net)
• Opportunities and attainment
• Utilization
Health standards (food, non-food)
• Health services: access to facilities and community services • Stocks
Private-sector development and employment creation • Post-harvest handling
• Employment creation through foreign and local investment practices

Agricultural opportunities
• Agricultural livelihood (rural and urban)

Social structure
• Family structure Stability of food supplies
• Land access and utilization and access
• Gender roles (variability)

Infrastructure and services • Food production

• Transport services • Incomes
• Water services (supply quality and distribution) • Markets
• Urban management • Social entitlements
• Environment protection: land degradation, physical environment
• Transport services
• Electricity (generation and distribution)
Opportunities for tourism industry
• Income generation from tourism sector Access to food
(trends and levels)
Public sector efficiency
• Minimize the social cost of reforms and provide a safety net for those who • Purchasing power
are disadvantaged • Market integration
Policy and institutional environment • Access to markets

International conventions

Natural disasters
• Cyclones and pest

14
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

ub-national level Household level Individual level

Intrahousehold
food practices
• Child care
• Feeding practices
• Nutrition education
• Food preparation
• Eating habits
• Intrahousehold food
distribution
• Food storage Food intake

• Energy intake
• Nutrient intake

Household food access Nutritional status Quality of life

Health status

• Infectious and chronic

diseases

Health and sanitation

• Health-care practices
• Hygiene
• Water quality
• Sanitation
• Food safety and quality

15
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Annex VI
Objectives and strategic approaches for
understanding food and nutritional
insecurity and vulnerability in Samoa

Strategic approaches Objective 1 Objective 2 Objective 3

To improve the utilization of To improve the collection, To improve inter-institutional

information as a basis for analysis, management and collaboration/coordination
targeted action and intervention dissemination of information

Institutional capacity building: human resources X X X

Institutional capacity building: X
infrastructure and equipment
Continuous improvement and updating of x X
methods and techniques
Establishment of effective mechanisms for X X X
coordination
Promotion of interest and awareness X X
in clearly defined user groups about relevant
information systems
Assurance of adequate funding X x
Defined institutional information mandates X X
Key: X - highly important; x - important.

16
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Annex VII
Outputs to achieve
outlined objectives of strategy

To improve the utilization of To improve the collection, To improve inter-institutional

information as a basis for analysis, management and collaboration/coordination
targeted action and intervention dissemination of information

Output 1 1.1 Vulnerable group profiles
prepared and disseminated.
Output 2 1.2 Awareness raised among key
decision-makers on using FIVIMS
related data and information.
Output 3 1.3 Information products issued with
appropriate frequency with
dissemination tools in place that
correspond to information needs of
different user groups.
Output 4
2.1 Methodological guidelines 3.1 Clear protocols for stakeholder
prepared regarding the four collaboration/participation in place.
components of the information
system.
2.2 Technical staff in key partner 3.2 An interinstitutional (FIVIMS)
institutions adequately trained in the working group established and
four components of the information functioning.
systems.
2.3 Baseline analysis conducted
based on a set of core indicators.
2.4 Adequate infrastructure and
equipment in place.

17
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Annex VIII
Work plan: planned activities
to achieve outputs of information strategy

Outputs and activities 2002 2003 2004

I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV

1.0 Follow-up and preparation activities

1.1 Vulnerable groups profiles prepared and
disseminated
1.1.1 Collate and review existing data and information. X
1.1.2 Analyse data. X
1.1.3 Establish vulnerability criteria and indicators, X
and identify data/information gaps.
1.1.4 Obtain additional information/data. X X
1.1.5 Prepare vulnerability profiles. X
1.1.6 Disseminate vulnerability profiles to
policy-makers and other users. X
1.2 Awareness raised of key decision-makers on
using FIVIMS-related data
1.2.1 Identify key decision-makers and actors at X
different levels (user groups).
1.2.2 Develop awareness materials targeted at X X X X X X X X
different users groups.
1.2.3 Conduct consultations/meetings of user groups. X X X X
1.3 Information products issued with appropriate
frequency and dissemination tools in place
that correspond to information needs of
different user groups
1.3.1 Identify target user groups X
1.3.2 Conduct information-needs analysis with X
different user groups.
1.3.3 Design and pilot different information products X X X X X X X
and dissemination tools.
1.3.4 Train appropriate staff of key institutions in X X X X X X
preparation of information products and
dissemination tools (e.g. website design).
1.3.5 Appropriate information products issued with X X X X X X
appropriate frequency.
1.3.6 Information dissemination tools put in place and X X X X X X
adequately maintained.
1.3.7 Monitor actual use of information products and X X X X X X
dissemination tools.
Continued

18
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Annex VIII (continued). Work plan: Planned activities to achieve outputs of information strategy

Outputs and activities 2002 2003 2004

I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV

2.1 Methodological guidelines prepared regarding

the four components of the information system
2.1.1 Research best practices in data collection and X X
management methods.
2.1.2 Prepare and pilot methodological guidelines for X X
data collection (core indicators) and data
management.
2.2 Technical staff in key partners institutions
adequately trained in the four components of
the information system
2.2.1 Conduct training-needs assessment in key X
partner institutions.
2.2.2 Design and pilot appropriate training materials. X X
2.2.3 Conduct training workshops and other X X X X X X
training activities.
2.2.4 Monitor the progress of trained staff. X X X X X X
2.3 Baseline analysis conducted based on a set of
core indicators
2.3.1 Identify set of core indicators (framework). X
2.3.2 Identify and assess available data for core indicators. X
2.3.3 Design information system to collect missing X
data and information.
2.3.4 Perform integrated baseline analysis. X X
2.3.5 Prepare baseline report. X
2.3.6 Distribute baseline report and promote discussions X X X X
in different public forum on food security
vulnerability, poverty and development.
2.4 Adequate infrastructure and equipment in place
2.4.1 Undertake an assessment of available infrastructure X
and equipment at key partner institutions.
2.4.2 Identify and cost additional equipment needs, X
as well as needed infrastructure modifications.
2.4.3 Obtain necessary funding and acquire equipment. X
2.4.4 Establish policy and procedures for equipment X
maintenance and updating.
2.4.5 Provide training, if needed, in equipment use and X X X X X X
correct application.
3.1 Clear protocols for stakeholder
collaboration/coordination in place
3.1.1 Conduct consultations at high levels within key X X
partner institutions on content of inter-institutional
protocol/MOU.
3.1.2 Draft protocol/MOU and continue consultations X X
and finalize.
3.1.3 Organize a highly visible event to sign protocol/MOU. X
Continued

19
 Formulation of a national FIVIMS strategy for Samoa

Annex VIII (continued). Work plan: Planned activities to achieve outputs of information strategy

Outputs and activities 2002 2003 2004

I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV

3.1.4 Periodic reviews of protocol to ascertain needed X X X X X X

changes in content or implementation.
3.1.5 Prepare new protocol draft, conduct consultations X X X X X X
and finalize.
3.2 An inter-institutional (FIVIMS) working
group/committee established and functioning
3.2.1 Conduct consultations among key partner X
institutions.
3.2.2 Agree on composition and institutional home for X
the I-I WG/committee.
3.2.3 Draft mandate and protocol for I-I WG/committee. X
3.2.4 Draft a policy paper for submission to the X
Cabinet Development Committee and promote its
adoption and presentation to the full Cabinet.
3.2.5 The inter-institutional working committee prepares X
work plan, identifies needed resources and
disseminates mandate and work plan within each
partner institution.
3.2.6 Prepare regular progress reports and X X X X X X X
disseminate these.
3.2.7 Assess regularly I-I working group’s functioning X X X X X X X
and quality of work.
3.2.8 Organize a national awareness day and promote X X X
national dialogue on food security vulnerability,
poverty, and development issues.

20
 FORMULATION OF
A NATIONAL
FIVIMS STRATEGY
FOR SAMOA
END OF WORKSHOP
REPORT

???TC/D/Y5883E/1/2.05/605