The Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and the United
Nations World Food Programme (WFP) jointly held a workshop today to mark the launch of
a Cost of the Diet analysis in Samoa. The initiative aims to identify nutrient gaps and
enhance decision-making to improve access to healthy, nutritious diets for the Samoan
population, with a focus on the most vulnerable.
“Reshaping food systems to nourish populations—rather than merely addressing
hunger—requires that we focus on making healthy diets available, accessible, affordable,
desirable, and environmentally sustainable. No single actor can achieve this transformation
alone. It is vital that we work together to tackle these challenges head-on”, said MAF Acting
Chief Executive Officer, Fiu Sailo Pa’o.
The analysis, which combines secondary data, advanced software, and multi-sectoral
stakeholder engagement to identify barriers and solutions for sustainable and healthy
diets, is part of Samoa’s broader efforts to transform its national food systems and improve
the nutritional well-being of its citizens.
“This analysis”, said Themba Kalua, Resident Coordinator for Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue
and Tokelau, “is not just a snapshot of Samoa’s current nutrition situation. It is a robust,
collaborative process that seeks to identify and address the barriers preventing access to
healthy and nutritious food. By analysing these barriers, we can develop policies and
programmes that ensure nutritious food is not only accessible but also sustainable,
equitable, and aligned with the needs of Samoan communities.”
By leveraging existing data from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) and other sources,
the project will generate findings that are both relevant and actionable. It aims to inform
government policies and programme designs across key sectors such as agriculture,
health, education, and social protection, while addressing the dual challenges of
undernutrition and overnutrition within Samoa's unique dietary and nutritional context.
"The Cost of the Diet analysis underscores the value of strong partnerships between WFP
and the Government of Samoa. By working together to generate evidence, we can enhance
decision-making and strengthen Samoa’s food systems. This collaborative effort ensures
that policies and programmes are informed by data, enabling targeted interventions that
improve access to healthy diets and build resilience for communities across Samoa," said
Alpha Bah, WFP Representative and Country Director for the Pacific.

The workshop facilitated dialogue on preliminary findings and potential strategies for
addressing dietary challenges in Samoa. It also established a roadmap for the next steps,
including modelling interventions to improve nutrition through food systems, social
protection programmes and education initiatives. This initiative underscores the shared
commitment of the Government of Samoa and WFP to improve food security and nutrition
for all Samoans.
The initiative is a key deliverable under a US$ 328,000 programme funded by the Joint SDG
Fund, entitled Catalyzing the Samoa National Food Systems Transformation Agenda
Through Collective Action implemented in partnership with FAO and IFAD. The programme
supports Samoa’s efforts to improve food security and nutrition.

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About the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is committed to promoting sustainable
agricultural and fisheries practices to ensure food security and improve the livelihoods of
Samoan communities.
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About WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian
organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to
peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact
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For more information, please contact:
Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Ms Matatumua Taimalietane Matatumua, Assistant Chief Executive Officer:
tai.matatumua@maf.gov.ws
World Food Programme Pacific Multi-Country Office: Pacific.Contact@wfp.org
Mr Jorge D. Díaz, Head of Partnerships and Communications: jorge.diaz@wfp.org