Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) 2012–2016.

The Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) presents the key development strategies and priority sectors for the development of Samoa. The timeframe of this policy is four years covering the period from 2012 to 2016. The policy objective is to boost the productive sectors of the economy to revitalize growth whilst at the same time concentrating on ensuring buffering mechanisms are in place to protect the local economy from the effects of any future global economic crises. The priority areas are: economic sector, including agriculture and tourism sectors; social policies; infrastructure sector; and the environment. Section 3 of the Strategy sets out the summary of the implementation of key strategic outcomes of the Strategy for the Development of Samoa 2008-2012 and lessons learned.
This policy prioritizes strengthening economic resilience by increasing investment in the productive sectors of the economy. Targeted interventions will be directed at the agricultural sector to enhance domestic production, meet food security needs, and boost export capacity. Development will be dominated by small scale subsistence and semi commercial farms and fishing communities which also provide a safety net for most Samoans. An inclusive approach will be adopted to promote and encourage investment in agriculture and fisheries through provision of responsive advisory services in crops, livestock and fisheries; provision of planting materials and availability of fishing equipment; and better access to financing and market information. The development of organic products and Organic Samoa brand will be supported. Capacity building will be enhanced at the community and village level through secondary and tertiary level and vocational training. The policy, strategic planning and management capability will be strengthened to support sustainable agriculture development. Additionally, the policy focuses on the manufacturing sector to transform viable agricultural products into higher value-added goods for the export market and encourage investments in import substitution businesses. Imports of agricultural products, in particular fruits, vegetables and livestock products, will be reduced. Local supply will be improved. The level of subsistence agriculture will be increased moving towards semi commercial status. An Export Authority will be established to provide essential export and marketing services. Potential crops and livestock products will be identified and promoted for exports. Effective coordination will be ensured amongst producers' associations to support export demand. The access of farmers to timely and up to date information will be improved.
In pursuit of the longer term goal of achieving improved quality of life for all, this policy lays down a number of key strategic outcomes, such as: maintaining macroeconomic stability; scaled-up investment in tourism to promote Samoa as an attractive tourist destination; promoting a healthy and an educated Samoa; improved business environment; strengthening social cohesion and stability; community development; improved infrastructural services; and recognising the importance of the environment through sustainable management of natural resources, increased investment in renewable energy sources, and mainstreaming climate change and disaster resilience. Renewable energy investment and generation will be promoted and increased. Efficient, affordable and reliable electricity supply and effective management of petroleum supply will be improved. Energy efficiency practices will be promoted in all sectors, particularly the transport sector. Efficient and effective coordination and management of the sector will be ensured through the implementation of the energy sector plan.
Environmental sustainability will be achieved through sustainable management of natural resources; coordination of environmental initiatives through the development of an appropriate framework for the environment sector; scientific research and data collection for better management; green growth technologies; protection of critical ecosystems and species; better land use management practices; development of an urban agenda and policy; community engagement in environmental management; effective waste management; and effective assessment and monitoring of water resources. Climate change and disaster risk management will be integrated into core national and sector plan policies. Climate change and hazard risks analysis and vulnerability assessments will be undertaken on sector plans and major investment initiatives to identify potential impacts to determine best options for implementation. The use of ecosystem based approach will be encouraged to adapt to potential climate change impacts. Awareness and consultation on climate change and disaster risk management will be strengthened. Disaster preparedness and response capacity will be strengthened, and accurate and timely information and warnings will be provided. The monitoring of climate change will be improved through centralized collection of data. An appropriate national mitigation plan will be developed for Samoa to meet carbon trading. Revised coastal infrastructure management plans will be implemented. Financing modalities will be developed for climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.