Food security and sustainable development : the relationships between food security and trade and agricultural policy in Samoa : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of International Development at Massey University, New Zealand

Abstract

As the global community continues to face challenges in achieving the United Nations 2030 Development Agenda on Sustainable Development, food security has emerged at the forefront of discussions. International policies aside, the true challenge is at the national level of small island developing states with dwindling local agriculture-based food systems, such as Samoa, struggling with limited resources and import dependency. The government of Samoa has made robust improvements in the agriculture and trade sectors compared to other Pacific Island countries, underpinned by a sector-wide policy approach to development. Guided by sector plans, the agriculture and trade sectors should be thriving however, strengthening Samoa’s access to food to ensure a food secure country remains a challenge. Framed around sustainable development thinking, this research explores Samoa’s trade and agriculture sector policies and its contribution (or lack thereof) to food security. This report has used qualitative data collection methods, such as a document analysis and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders of the agriculture and trade sectors in Samoa. Findings highlight the misalignment of Samoa’s policies and reveal critical gaps that have resulted in challenges to developing a policy framework for effective implementation. There is a critical need for re-assessment of priorities within the agriculture and trade sectors in the areas of agriculture production and trade if Samoa wishes to address its food security concerns, and in turn, its wider sustainable development objectives.