This project is focused on scaling up collaboration between the largest state-owned agricultural producer in Samoa, trade associations and women’s cooperatives in order to add value to cocoa and coconut destined for export. It focuses on strengthening the sector policy so as to enhance private sector participation and manufacturing linkages, which has resulted in the Buy Samoa Made initiative.

Results

• 500 acres of coconut and cocoa trees were planted at the Samoa Trust Estates Corporation (STEC) plantation.

• The Buy Samoa Made initiative was launched in 2013 to connect Samoan goods and services with potential markets and to attract foreign direct investment. As a result, total exports increased by 11% after the launch in New Zealand.

• Taro exports doubled in 2014 compared to the previous year as a result of a revitalized taro industry and a sizeable market share in New Zealand.

• A similar initiative was launched in Australia in March 2015 by the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters together with other manufacturers to showcase Samoan products.  

• Empowering women through the Women in Business Development Incorporated (WIBDI), dedicated to strengthening village economic in Samoa and addressing gender imbalances.

• Centralized processing facilities have been established and appropriate technology procured for carrying out research and development of niche coconut and cocoa value-added products.

• Assistance has been provided to STEC to procure seedlings, planting tools and contracting village community groups to conduct maintenance and clearance works required at the farm.

• Supported the construction of the WIBDI processing warehouse which provides the opportunity to centralize the processes of organic products within an HACCP certified environment, adding value to the products for export to be marketed by the WIBDI. The warehouse will also provide a proper storage space for products ready to be shipped.