Household Income and Expenditure Survey launched in Samoa
The Government of Samoa in partnership with FAO officially launched the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) at the Development Bank of Samoa building in Apia recently. Along with the survey, a FAO report on Dietary patterns of Samoan households was also launched.
These documents were used to provide an overview of average diet of Samoan households, and maps which households are most at risk the effects of poor nutrition. The report on Dietary Patterns identifies the food items contributing to current nutrition outcomes and makes recommendations on dietary requirements in the most cost effective way.
The Associate Minister of Public Enterprises, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang delivered the keynote address “The report highlights clearly the level of nutrition contents of the Samoan households’ dietary intake”.
It is envisioned that the two reports will guide policy makers and planners in their efforts to formulate evidence – based planning and decision making for the benefit of all Samoans.
“To our partners and stakeholders, this information is ready for policy-makers in the design of any interventions most effective at improving dietary outcomes in Samoa,” Papali’i said.
The Associate Minister acknowledged the FAO’s contribution to the reports. “This was made possible through a strong partnership between the Samoa Bureau of Statistics and the FAO of the United Nations’ office in Apia”. He said.
FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, Mr Gavin Wall, said the reports calls for everyone to do their part to improve Samoa’s dietary habits. “It’s a whole of government approach, it’s a whole of society approach. This is the message that could go out to the Samoan community.”
Mr Wall continued. “FAO is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Samoa Bureau of Statistics in using the household Income & Expenditure Survey diary to establish the average diet of Samoan households, and which households are most at risk of poor nutrition outcomes”.