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Prepared in collaboration with the FIVIMS Secretariat
by Lafaele Enoka, National consultant, FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United NationsRome 2005
AN ASSESSMENT OFEXISTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND DATABASES
AN OVERVIEW REPORT Apia, Samoa, September 2002
FOR A NATIONAL FIVIMS:SAMOA
The views expressed in this document are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Food and AgricultureOrganization of the United Nations.
The designations employed and the presentation of material in thisinformation product do not imply the expression of any opinionwhatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization ofthe United Nations concerning the legal or development status ofany country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerningthe delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material inthis information product for educational or other non-commercialpurposes are authorized without any prior written permission fromthe copyright holders provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of material in this information product for resale orother commercial purposes is prohibited without written permissionof the copyright holders. Applications for such permission shouldbe addressed to the Chief, Publishing Management Service,Information Division, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla,00100 Rome, Italy or by e-mail to copyright@fao.org
© FAO 2005
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
iii
About this report v
Acronyms vi
Summary of recommendations 1
Introduction 1FIVIMS objectives 1
Background 1Samoan FIVIMS objectives 2
FIVIMS methodology 2
Study methodology 2
Existing information systems and databases 2Priority areas for FIVIMS in Samoa 2
Department of Statistics 3
Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology 4
Department of Lands, Survey and Environment 6
Health Department 7
Potential overall contribution of Samoan key institutions to FIVIMS 8
Other partner institutions for a national FIVIMS 8
Possible key indicators database system for Samoa 13
Contents
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
iv
Summary of conclusions 13Key institutions 13
Partner institution 13
Constraints and limitations 13
GIS mapping 15
KIDS framework 15
National FIVIMS focal point 15
Recommendations 16
References 17
Appendix I Organizations and institutions consulted 19
II Checklist for interviews 20
III Existing information systems/databases relevant to FIVIMS activities in Samoa 21
List of tables
Table 1 Available databases – DoS 3
Table 2 Available information systems/databases – MAFFM 5
Table 3 GIS database 7
Table 4 Available databases – Nutrition Centre 8
Table 5 Information systems/databases from partner institutions 9
Table 6 Relevant institutions – strengths, constraints and possible contributions
to a national FIVIMS in Samoa 13
Table 7 Possible indicators for a national FIVIMS in Samoa 14
List of figures
Figure 1 Possible KIDS for Samoa 15
Figure 2 Recommended components of a KIDS and possible contributors in Samoa 16
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
he aim of this report is to provide a summary assessment of the existing institutional
capacity in Samoa to undertake integrated FIVIMS-related work. The document was used as
a background for discussions at the national FIVIMS strategy workshop (30 September –
4 October, 2002) on a contextual framework for FIVIMS-type work in Samoa.
The opinions expressed in this report are those of the author alone and do not imply any
opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO.
T
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
v
About this report
AusAID Australian Agency for International Development
CBS Central Bank of Samoa
CDC Cabinet Development Committee
DLSE Department of Lands, Survey and Environment
DoS Department of Statistics
ED Education Department
EU European Union
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FIVIMS Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information Mapping System
GIS Geographic Information Systems
GoS Government of Samoa
HD Health Department
HIES Household Income and Expenditure Survey
JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency
KIDS Key Indicators Database System
MAFFM Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology
MFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs
NGOs Non Governmental Organizations
NZODA New Zealand Overseas Development Assistance
PPCD Policy, Planning and Communication Division
SDS Strategy for the Development of Samoa, 2002–2004
TSY Treasury Department
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
WHO World Health Organization
WMO World Meteorological Organization
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
vi
Acronyms
UMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The recommendations below are a summary of those
from this assessment study:
1 It is recommended that the formulation of a national
FIVIMS (Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information
Mapping Systems) strategy consider priority areas
identified by the Government of Samoa.
2 It is recommended that FIVIMS’s first role is to seek
consensus amongst the four key government
institutions identified below concerning the selection
of an interim national focal point.
3 It is highly recommended that one of the four
institutions outlined below undertake this initial task in
getting the necessary political backing through the
formal channel of soliciting Cabinet endorsement.
4 It is recommended that the national strategy and
work plan take into consideration priority areas
identified by the FIVIMS consultancy – namely the
analysis and integration of statistical information into
GIS mapping when planning immediate FIVIMS
activities for Samoa.
5 It is recommended that capacity-building activities
are integrated into the work plan for the collection,
management, analyses, dissemination and utilization
of information.
NTRODUCTION
It is estimated that approximately 840 million people in
the world suffer from hunger and malnutrition (FAO,
2000: 1). According to the Director-General of FAO,
“most live in the developing countries and are constantly
up against the degradation of their natural resources and
their environment”.1 The FIVIMS Initiative is a result of
the 1996 World Food Summit when world leaders
pledged their commitment to fight world hunger and
poverty.
FIVIMS objectivesFIVIMS aims to support and promote national-level
activities that compile, analyse and disseminate valuable
information. This will help identify food-insecure and
vulnerable sections of the population and assist policy-
makers in developing and implementing policies that help
attain food security and reduce associated poverty. The
immediate objectives of FIVIMS (FAO, 2000: 14) are to:
• increase national and international attention to food-
security issues, so that they receive higher priority in
policy formulation;
• improve the reliability, quality, quantity and timeliness
of national and subnational food security-related data
and analysis;
• facilitate multisectoral analyses, through better
integration of complementary information
components;
• promote better use of information, through better
understanding of users’ needs and more effective
dissemination;
• improve users’ access to information, through
networking and sharing.
ACKGROUND
Samoa is one of the five small-island developing states
that piloted the FIVIMS Initiative2 under the European
BI
S
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
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1 More Political Will and Resources – FAO. 2002, 5 September. TheSamoa Observer.
2 The other pilot small island developing states are Barbados, CapeVerde, Comoros and Fiji.
Union-funded project, GCP/INT/742/EC. A part of this
project was the development of a national FIVIMS
strategy for Samoa.
Samoan FIVIMS objectivesThe purpose of a Samoan FIVIMS is to contribute to the
reduction of food insecurity and vulnerability in Samoa in
four main ways:
1 gaining access to more comprehensive up-to-date
information that is easy to understand;
2 enhancing food security through better and more
informed policy formulation;
3 improving the design and targeting of interventions
directed at reducing food insecurity and vulnerability;
4 monitoring progress in achieving the FIVIMS goal by
providing accurate and timely information about the
nature and extent of food insecurity and vulnerability,
and the main causes and the changes that are
occurring over time (FAO, 2000).
FIVIMS methodologyThe development of a national FIVIMS takes into account
already existing information systems related to food
security. It does not seek to create new systems but
rather to support and consolidate what is available locally.
In addition, a national FIVIMS seeks to provide
better coordination between donor agencies,
international organizations and national technical
agencies. The establishment of these relationships could
lead to greater sustainability of local institutions. Apart
from better coordination, the ownership and operation
will be national, which it is hoped will facilitate
effectiveness in providing information designed to meet
the needs of national policy-makers. The aim is to
ensure better information is linked to better action
programmes.
The following study was undertaken to assess
current information systems and databases that could
assist in the development of Samoa’s FIVIMS. The
objectives were to:
• undertake an inventory check of existing information
systems and databases;
• identify key producers and users of information that
are relevant to FIVIMS activities;
• identify weaknesses and opportunities for priority
areas that need institutional capacity-building.
TUDY METHODOLOGY
A series of consultations was held with key relevant
government institutions (please see Appendix I).
Semi-structured interviews were conducted to ascertain
what type of information systems or databases existed
within each institution, and a checklist of topic areas
was used to guide the discussion (see Appendix II). This
included questions on the type of data collected, the
processing and management of information, analyses
undertaken and how information was disseminated.
In addition, secondary sources from previous
studies on FIVIMS in Samoa and government
documents provided benchmark information for the
study. These include two FIVIMS mission reports, GIS
data assessment for Samoa and other associated
documents.
XISTING INFORMATION SYSTEMSAND DATABASES
The Back to Office Report – Samoa and Fiji in 2001
(Bruno et al., 2001) consulted a wide range of
stakeholders – both users3 and providers4 of
information. A total of 28 information systems and/or
databases have so far been identified in Samoa.
Government institutions hold the majority of data
sources; the remaining are owned by non-government
organizations (NGOs), universities, UN agencies and
bilateral donors (see Appendixes I and II for details).
Priority areas for FIVIMS in SamoaThe Back to Office Report 2002 – Samoa and Fiji
(Riches, 2002: 4) identified two priority areas for FIVIMS
in Samoa. These were:
1 analysis and integration of statistical information;
2 GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping.
E
S
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3 Information users refer to policy-makers/advisers in government,government officials, civil society, donor community, researchers,training institutions.
4 Information providers refer to institutions/organizations/groups thatprovide information such as the Department of Statistics, HealthDepartment, Central Bank of Samoa, Ministry of Agriculture.
According to the report, Samoa already has good
baseline information in the form of the 1997 Household
income and expenditure survey (HIES), 1999 Census of
agriculture and the 2001 Census of population. All these
statistical datasets are relevant to FIVIMS and could be
incorporated into maps using GIS.
Based on these key priority areas, the most relevant
information systems and databases are located within
four key government institutions:
• Department of Statistics (DoS);
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and
Meteorology (MAFFM);
• Department of Lands, Survey and Environment
(DLSE);
• Health Department (HD).
Department of StatisticsThe Department of Statistics (DoS) is authorized by law
to collect statistical information. It is responsible for the
input and management of national census and survey
data information and has already updated both the
1989 agriculture and 1991 population census.
An update of the 1997 HIES is currently in progress
(August–September 2002) and will be followed by the
annual agriculture survey planned for
October–November 2002.
DoS contribution to FIVIMS
The main contribution of DoS to FIVIMS would be in the
provision of statistical information. The department
currently has three good existing databases (see Table 1)
with the expected addition of the 2002 HIES, once it is
published. These studies provide the most recent
baseline information, because they are conducted within
a five-year time period and share a common underlying
sampling frame.
Careful integration and analysis of datasets could
highlight possible areas of food insecurity and
vulnerability in Samoa. This would also allow more
focused research to be undertaken. DoS also has good
networks and working relationships with other
government agencies and with villages. Overall, the
department has strong technical skills, experience and
expertise in conducting national census and surveys
that are statistically sound and valid.
Quality data and good access to it form the basis of
well-grounded policy-making and reflect good
governance. In its Strategy for the development of
Samoa, 2002–2004 (SDS) the Government of Samoa
emphasized the need to continuously improve
statistical information (GoS, 2002: 29). The objectives
of a national FIVIMS are in line with government policy
on statistical information and this should generate
the necessary support for FIVIMS in the medium and
long term.
DoS constraints and weaknesses
One potential constraint of the DoS is the limitation of
information from demographic surveys linked to FIVIMS.
Demographic surveys are designed to collect
demographic data, and may have limited information
specifically related to food insecurity and vulnerability.
Possible incorporation of FIVIMS core indicators into
demographic surveys could be flagged as an option for
the future.
The problem of under-reporting is also significant,
especially in the collection of sensitive information such
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
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Table 1 Available databases – DoS
Type of information Source Storage Coverage Dissemination
1999 Census of agriculture National census Census database National Census report Tabular report
2001 Census of population National census Census database National Census report Tabular report
1997 Household Income and National survey Survey database National Census report Expenditure Survey (HIES) Tabular report
2002 Household Income and National survey Survey database In progress Pending Expenditure Survey (HIES)
as household income and expenditure. The DoS
recognizes this constraint and this is taken into a
ccount during survey design. The HIES is one example
where sensitive data are collected and where
possible over- or under-reporting is expected to
some degree.
Work overload becomes a problem especially
when annual and regular activities coincide with major
censuses or surveys, which could overstretch limited
staff. One such case is the cancellation of the 2001
Annual Agriculture Survey because of the 2001 Census
of Population. Planning and good management
between users and DoS could be encouraged through
a FIVIMS-type inter-institutional coordination
mechanism.
The analysis of relevant FIVIMS indicators – for
example, size of household and size of subsistence
agriculture holdings – and the mapping of this
information to create visual representations requires
skilled personnel. DoS has GIS capability and full
digitized administrative boundary layers in addition to
geo-referencing data from the recent national census.
However, there may be a need to upgrade and sustain
GIS capability of DoS with a view towards FIVIMS-type
indicators.
DoS institutional issues
Given the rapid change in computer and GIS
technology, strengthening of DoS GIS capability
combined with continual upgrading and maintaining of
personnel skills is vital. The DoS has a GIS unit that was
set up by a local GIS consultant with computer
equipment funded by a FAO Technical Cooperation
Programme under the 1999 Census of Agriculture.
However, the skill level of personnel trained in GIS
capability is less advanced than that of personnel in the
DLSE, which could be addressed by targeted capacity
building. Adding economic indicators to monitor
FIVIMS activities would require training personnel in
economic statistics. Therefore, it is necessary to
strengthen the collection and analysis skills of personnel
in the DoS. An overseas expert or the Central Bank of
Samoa and Treasury Department could provide possible
assistance: both institutions deal with economic
indicators in their line of work and have extensive
experience in this field.
INISTRY OF AGRICULTURE,FORESTS, FISHERIES AND
METEOROLOGY
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and
Meteorology (MAFFM) is mandated to develop the
agriculture sector and subsectors of forests and
fisheries. It has a wide range of information sources with
databases on crops, livestock, fisheries, forests and
climate.
The 1999 Census of Agriculture provides the most
recent baseline information on crops, livestock, forestry
and fisheries along with the annual Agriculture Survey,
which monitors trends. The first annual survey was in
2000 and the next one is scheduled for October 2002.
The annual survey for 2001 was cancelled due to over-
commitment to the population census.
MAFFM contribution to FIVIMS
MAFFM’s Crops Division has good information on crop
production, pest and disease control as well as ongoing
crop research. Data on acreage under taro production,
research into potential crops and the status of pest and
disease control are valuable inputs in mapping possible
issues relevant to ensuring food security in Samoa. The
Extension and Advisory Services Section of the Division
also has good links to rural village communities: these
could facilitate information collection and dissemination
for any future FIVIMS activities.
The Animal Production and Health Division has
baseline information on livestock production, especially
cattle – for example, the total number of stock, cattle farm
condition, pasture condition as well as stock condition.
The Division also has information on animal health issues
collected from farmers and from meat inspections – for
instance, average slaughter rate – which are all relevant
information for a national FIVIMS for Samoa.
The Fisheries Division of MAFFM has a
comprehensive database on fisheries and marine
resources, into which data from environment, scientific
and fisheries surveys are fed. These include information
on the status of the marine environment (such as
biodiversity and fish habitat); information on fishery
biomass; annual fish catch and value for both inshore,
offshore fisheries and aquaculture. The 2000 Household
M
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
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Fisheries Survey provided good baseline information on
fishing methods, volume and value of village landings,
and substitute sources of protein at the household level.
In addition, the 2002 Fisher Creel Survey scheduled for
October will continue to provide valuable information on
fisheries.
The Fisheries database can contribute valuable
information on production, economic and financial value
of fisheries as well as an outlook assessment of fisheries
stock.
MAFFM’s Meteorology Division maintains a
database of weather patterns, which includes
information on rainfall, temperature, sunshine, wind and
tide. The division also has good historical records of
cyclones, earthquakes, and volcano eruptions that have
struck Samoa.
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
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Table 2 Available information systems/databases – MAFFM
Type of information Year Database Coverage Dissemination
Census of Agriculture 1989 Census Database National Census report Tabular report
Census of Agriculture 1999 Census Database National Census report Tabular report
Annual Agricultural Survey 2000 Survey Database National Survey report Tabular report
Annual Agricultural Survey (survey 2002 Pending National Pending scheduled for September 2002)
Cyclone Damage: Situation Analysis 1991/1992 Monitoring survey Village Agriculture and Household food report
Vegetable Market Survey 1993/1994 Monitoring survey Salelologa Survey reportConducted in the two main local Fugalei commercial markets
Taro Leaf Blight Survey 1993/1994 Monitoring survey Village Survey reportHousehold
Giant African Snail Survey 1996 Monitoring survey Village Survey reportHousehold
Cattle Survey 1996/1997 Village Survey reportHousehold Annual report
Cattle Survey 2002 In progress Village In progressHousehold
Fisher Creel Survey 2002 Pending Village Pending Survey is scheduled for October Household
Household fisheries survey 2000 Village Report Household
Offshore tuna fisheries Ongoing Survey database Market outlets Monthly newsletterFishing boats Annual report
Offshore bottom-fish fisheries Ongoing Survey database Market outlets Monthly newsletterFishing boats Annual report
Inshore fisheries Ongoing Survey database Village Monthly newsletterAnnual report
Climate: Current Database National Daily forecasts
• rainfall Monthly reports
• temperature Quarterly reports
• sunshine
• wind
• tide
Natural disasters 1992 Database National Available on request
As a major user of statistical information, MAFFM
has linked the annual update of baseline information as
one of its core activity with DoS. This will provide
progressive monitoring of the sector and facilitate the
development of credible agricultural policy, which will
benefit any FIVIMS activities greatly. Furthermore, broad
government policy in the SDS has identified food
security as a priority area that falls under MAFFM’s
mandate. Government backing can be mobilized on that
basis in implementing FIVIMS.
Other benefits that MAFFM could contribute to
FIVIMS include:
• a well-established village network with good working
relationships with farmers through the ministry’s
extension services. This would be a good avenue for
information collection and dissemination;
• experience in working on cross-sectoral projects with
other government institutions and NGOs;
• good working relationships with other government
institutions;
• both national survey experience (the Census of
Agriculture) and more sector-specific experience
(crops, cattle and fisheries).
MAFFM constraints and weaknesses
The Ministry faces several constraints. Key issues
include, firstly, the strong focus on agricultural
production, pest and disease control and quarantine. It
is vital to link these issues to food security clearly in
terms of improved quality of diet and livelihood security.
Secondly, the development and maintenance of a
database with annual surveys will have huge impact on
both financial and human resources. The Ministry has
good sources of information (crops, livestock, fisheries,
meteorology) but its divisions have varying degrees of
limitation, in particular with regard to staff and technical
skills in the collection, management and dissemination
of information.
Thirdly, a strong focus on commercial cattle
production appears to overlook the more vulnerable and
poorer farmers.
MAFFM institutional issues
One issue that emerges is the necessity for
strengthening MAFFM’s capacity to update crop profiles
and develop new ones. Crop profile information is vital
for the development of baseline data in the economics
and marketing of agricultural crops for policy
development.
The Policy, Planning and Communication Division
(PPCD) is responsible for the development and
maintenance of key baseline information on main crops
for Samoa. The division is currently understaffed with
the majority of the officers lacking experience and the
necessary analytical skills in data collection and
management. An improvement in MAFFM’s capacity to
collect, manage and maintain databases is important.
It is also vital that MAFFM’s ability to carry out
agricultural surveys and its capabilities in generating
analyses from the information are enhanced. The
Ministry currently lacks the necessary computer
programs and resources to input and analyse survey
data.
Department of Lands, Survey and EnvironmentThe Department of Lands, Survey and Environment
(DLSE) is responsible for the management of land
resources and the environment. DLSE has a repertoire of
digitized hazard zone maps and a good GIS database
on Samoa. This capability could be utilized by FIVIMS to
incorporate socio-economic and food security data into
maps. In addition, hazard maps are invaluable for
highlighting areas that are most vulnerable to natural
disasters, such as coastlines. The availability and access
to this information will greatly assist planning and policy
formulation in identifying those at risk.
The department also has staff who are trained in
using GIS and the use of aerial photographs and
orthomaps. The technical capabilities of DLSE would be
invaluable for implementing any FIVIMS activities and
could act as a key government institution for both
producing and using information.
DLSE Contribution to FIVIMS
The greatest contribution of the department to FIVIMS
activities would be in mapping capability. The availability
of skilled DLSE GIS personnel to carry out the analysis is
also a major contribution to FIVIMS.
DLSE offers a good GIS database on Samoa and
personnel have access to and experience in working
with maps. Socio-economic data could be incorporated
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
6
with natural resource and environmental information in
order to highlight food-insecure and vulnerable areas.
Furthermore, the monitoring of ground changes
over time via aerial photos and topographical maps
allows comparative analysis to be undertaken.
This could enhance the range of information available
to policy-makers for policy formulation. Table 3 shows
the type of information that is collected and stored by
DLSE.
DLSE constraints and weaknesses
The core functions and activities of the department are
managing land resources and the environment.
Technical expertise in GIS is focused on these specific
activities; as a result, any activities outside their main
functions are likely to impinge on the department’s
human and financial resources.
It is important that approval and commitment from
DLSE regarding FIVIMS activities are obtained. The
possible linking of food insecurity and vulnerability
issues to core functions of the department should be
flagged to ensure attention is given to FIVIMS activities.
DLSE institutional issues
Strengthening GIS capability is an important requirement
for enhancing DLSE’s contribution to FIVIMS. The
Department’s personnel are relatively experienced and
skilled in GIS, and there is also enhanced computer
capability with the recent return of a Master’s graduate
specializing in GIS. However, keeping up to date with
GIS technology is a priority. A World Bank Project
implemented in 2000 is currently addressing these areas
in strengthening the GIS capability of DLSE.
Staff retention is another area that needs
addressing. It is noted that the strengthening of GIS and
computer skills need to take staff turnover into account
(Bruno et al., 2001). The loss of experienced GIS
personnel to the private sector is seen by DLSE as a
major risk in the long term.
Health DepartmentThe Health Department (HD) is the main source of health
information in Samoa – collating data on nutritional
status, basic health status and food consumption. Its
Nutrition Centre collects a range of information and has
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
7
Table 3 GIS database
Type of information Year Coverage Dissemination
Land use 1990 National • ARCINFO packages
• MapInfo digital packages
Land capability 1990 National • ARCINFO packages
• MapInfo digital packages
Land tenure 1990 National • ARCINFO packages
• MapInfo digital packages
Contours 1990 National • ARCINFO packages
• MapInfo digital packages
Soils 1990 National ARCINFO packages
• MapInfo digital packages
Rivers/streams 1990 National • ARCINFO packages
• MapInfo digital packages
Roads 1990 National • ARCINFO packages
• MapInfo digital packages
Ecosystems 1990 National • Digital
• Map
Biodiversity 1994 District/village • Point (GIS)
Coastal hazards 2000 National • MapInfo packages
Aerial photos September, 1999 Coastal areas (scale 1:5000) • Photographs
• National (scale 1:50000)
Topographical maps November, 2000 National (scale 1:50000) • Maps
Source: Crawley, 2000
a system of reporting on health issues from regional
health centres. The system of reporting, however, is not
fully functional and will need strengthening. Most of the
information collected by the centre is on:
• maternal anaemia;
• malnutrition in children;
• low birth weight incidence.
The information is partial in coverage and these
gaps are acknowledged as drawbacks. In an effort to
bridge this information gap, research studies on obesity
and diet conducted in 1991 and 1996 are partly
completed. Likewise, a National Nutrition Survey was
conducted in 1999 and information should become
available towards the end of 2002. In collaboration with
the World Health Organization, the department was set
to conduct a study on non-communicable disease
factors at the end of the year 2002.
HD contribution to FIVIMS
The Nutrition Centre would be a good information
source for FIVIMS activities. Although partial in
coverage, data compiled and collected by the centre
could still be utilized, particularly vital indicators such as
birth weight, maternal anaemia and malnutrition in
women and children.
Routine health information from regional health
centres would also be valuable for FIVIMS. This
information could highlight potential areas that are
vulnerable to food insecurity. Underpinning this is the
necessity to get the system fully functional. Reports
from studies conducted in 1996 and 1999 are expected
soon, and, while historical, the data can still assist in
undertaking comparative analyses.
HD constraints and weaknesses
Gaps in statistical information are a major weakness in
nutrition and diet information in Samoa. The lack of
timely and recent survey data is also a notable
constraint. The coverage of routine health information is
also partial and restricted to patients that are admitted
to the national hospital. Nutritional information suffers
from a general lack of baseline information.
HD institutional issues
The Nutrition Centre is severely under-resourced both in
equipment and personnel. There are only two qualified
nutritionists with the Centre, and intended programmes and
activities are restricted as a result of limited staff. This is a
possible area that needs strengthening through FIVIMS.
Support is also necessary to bridge the statistical
information gap in order to develop baseline information:
lack of such reference information hinders informed
policy-making.
Potential overall contributionof Samoan key institutions to FIVIMSTable 5 shows the overall contribution that these four
key institutions can make to food vulnerability mapping
systems in Samoa.
THER PARTNER INSTITUTIONS FORA NATIONAL FIVIMS
The assessment study identified key relevant institutions
for the set-up of a national FIVIMS. Other institutions
O
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
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Table 4 Available databases – Nutrition Centre
Type of information Source Storage Analysis Dissemination
1991 Dietary Intake Survey Research survey - Complete Article report – Journal of American Dietetic Association, (1999) February, vol. 99
1996 Dietary Intake survey Research survey - Pending Pending
1999 National Nutrition Survey National survey Survey database Pending
Pending
2002 Non-Communicable National survey In progress In progress Pending Disease Risk Factor Survey
An assessment of existing information systems and databases for a national FIVIMS: Samoa
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Table 5 Relevant institutions: strengths, constraints and possible contributions to a national FIVIMS in Samoa
Institutions Strenght Constraints Possible FIVIMS resources
Central Bank ofSamoa
Ministry ofAgriculture,Forestry, Fisheries,and Meteorology(MAFFM)Crops Division
MAFFM, Policy,Planning andCommunicationDivision
MAFFM, FisheriesDivision
Interest in imports – related tofood quality.Developed and maintainingdatabase on exports of majorcommodities.Well-developed data collection,analysis and reporting system.Integrated and overallperspective of food security (e.g.food quality and quarantine)within economic framework.
On-farm research on newtechnology for crops and pestmanagement involving datacollection.Network at village level ofdemonstration farms andfarmers.
Good overview of activitieswithin the Ministry – could play acoordinating role for theorganization in any involvementwith FIVIMS.Good existing relationship withfarmers through extensionprogrammes and workshopswhich could be built upon in thecollection and dissemination ofdata.Developed and maintain keybaseline information on maincrops for Samoa.Government economic strategyincludes securing of foodsecurity, so political backingcould be mobilised on this basis.
Key institution concerned withfishery production - majorcomponent in diet.Work with villages to improveavailability of food through stockenhancement – existingextension programmes.Survey experience.
Identifying appropriate person toparticipate in any FIVIMS andfinding time in their work plan.Staff time – need to have aclearly identified role in anysystem.
Strong focus on agriculturalproduction and quarantine, pestcontrol issues – would need todemonstrate clear link betweenthese issues and food security(improved quality of diet,livelihood security).
Need more information onmarket prices and developmentsfrom Trade and Commerce.Future expansion of productionwill be affected by the “matai”system through its effects onuntitled youth – this will affect theeffectiveness of their agriculturalcampaigns.
Resource constraints will preventanother full-scale subsistencefishery survey within 3–5 years.This will be offset by addition offishery relevant questions to theannual Agricultural Surveyupdate.
Database on exports of majorcommodities.Reports on economic indicators.Collection of data fromagricultural markets on volumeand prices of major products.
Farmer networkInformation from on-farm trialsand involvement in future ones.
Results from workshops held onrelevant topics – e.g. smallfarmer production for export.Crop profiles for development ofbaseline information profiles.
Data on seafood production andconsumption drawn from theSubsistence Fishery Survey andannual updates.Links to food safety andnutritional quality throughHAACP activity.Information network amongstvillages involved with stockenhancement programmes -could link to other actionsdealing with food security.
Continued
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Table 5 (Continued) Relevant institutions: strengths, constraints and possible contributions to a national FIVIMS in Samoa
Institutions Strenght Constraints Possible FIVIMS resources
MAFFM, LivestockDivision
MAFFM,MeteorologyDivision
Revitalized Cattle Farmers’Association – grass-root networkthat could be used to addressfood security and associatedissues related to cattle farming.The division seems wellresourced, although demands onstaff time are considerable andcan cause conflict in attending topriorities and have enthusiasticstaff.Hold information on some keyfood production issues (livestockproducts).Some information held on meatand milk inspection results couldbe linked to food safety and foodquality if the FIVIMS wants tofocus on this as an issue inSamoa.
The Division collects climate data(wind, temperature, rainfall,tides).Maintain database on naturaldisasters that have struckSamoa, e.g. cyclones,earthquakes, volcanic eruptions.The division also has geologicalmap information.
Information on livestockproducts is restricted to thatavailable through commercialchannels – poultry and pigproduction would be omitted orunderestimated at best.Current focus on commercialcattle production would seem toargue against including the morevulnerable (poorer) farmers in thefarmer network. This could beoffset if the system wants to usethis network through linking it toother activities.
Computer equipmentoverworked. A great need existsto upgrade and maintaincomputer system.Staff shortages – the Divisionsuffers from shortage ofexperience and qualified staff.
They could provide data onlivestock production from farms(partial – mostly cattle)They also hold information onanimal health issues based oncalls received from farmers andmeat inspection results.There is established system offarmer groups and associatedvisits – could be linked to otherdata collection or disseminationof information relevant toFIVIMS and agriculture.Hold a registry of cattle farmerswith details on owners andanimals – allow monitoring ofmovement of cattle – this islinked to GIS information andhence can be mapped.Store data from 3 of the majorbutchers in Apia on origin ofmeat purchased and details ofthe animal.
The Division is awaiting approvalfrom the Cabinet DevelopmentCommittee for funding an earlywarning system, which couldgreatly assist FIVIMS activities.A comprehensive weatherdatabase.
Continued
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Table 5 (Continued) Relevant institutions: strengths, constraints and possible contributions to a national FIVIMS in Samoa
Institutions Strenght Constraints Possible FIVIMS resources
Health Department(HD)Nutrition Centre
The information collected by thecentre on maternal anaemia,malnutrition in children and lowbirth weight incidence, whilepartial, would contribute keyelements to any national FIVIMS.System established for thecollection and reporting ofinformation on health issues tothe nutrition centre from theregional health centres –although currently this is not fullyfunctional and would need to bestrengthened/fully activated.Staff very committed to theirprogramme and would contributethis dedication to a system thatworked to improve theinformation availability andquality in the country.Staff realistic in their outlook(especially as regards resourceconstraints) and keen to exploreways of linking to existingactivities to make the best use ofavailable resources.Good network with organizationsdealing with health and nutritionwith links to FAO, the hospital,and several NGOs and a solidreputation with respect to dataquality.
The group is severely under-resourced – both in staffnumbers (one degree, onecertificate and one finishingcertificate) and equipment, thishas constrained fundexpenditure on their intendedprogrammes and activities.Information gathered is partial incoverage (often restricted to thein-patients of the main hospital),patchy in quality (sub-regionalhealth clinic data is often notentered), lacks timeliness (nocomparatively recent survey hasbeen done of diets, nutrition,etc.) and there is a general lackof key baseline information.Resource constraints mean thatthere is no opportunity to meetthese gaps throughimplementation of surveys. This gap is to some extent metthrough studies done byoverseas researchers but theresults are often delayed or onlypartially available to local staff –e.g. A study on obesity and dietwas done in 1991 and 1996 butonly the 1991 data has beenanalysed, as the researcherhasn’t had time to analyse theother data.A possible key study on the dietsof school children was partiallycompleted (on Upolu Island) butdata from Savai’i was notcollected.Active participation by the groupin a FIVIMS would be limited byavailable resources and staff – ifFIVIMS activities could beexplicitly linked to some activitiesseen as key by the Centre, therewill be very active interest andsupport.
Information on low birth weight(partial coverage) The Centrecould generate key informationon low birth weight rates andmalnourished children forinclusion in the FIVIMS system.This would initially be from theApia area but long term coulddevelop to national coverage. Maternal anaemia (partialcoverage)Malnourished children broughtto hospitalLinks to some research fromoverseas on obesity and diets inSamoaIn the future other nutritionalinformation generated by nursesin regional health clinics couldbe incorporated within theFIVIMS system (if this systemcan be activated).The group could serve as a linkbetween Samoa FIVIMS andexternal technical information onobesity and related issues.
Continued
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Table 5 (Continued) Relevant institutions: strengths, constraints and possible contributions to a national FIVIMS in Samoa
Institutions Strenght Constraints Possible FIVIMS resources
Department ofLands, Survey andEnvironment (DLSE)
Department ofStatistics (DoS)
TreasuryDepartment (TSY)
Department has trained staffexperienced with GIS - andWorld Bank project isstrengthening these further.Experience with the use ofsatellite imagery and itsapplication to monitoringchanges on the groundHave developed hazard maps foruse by decision-makers.
There is strong technical skill andexperience in conductingstatistically valid surveys andcensuses.There is existing historical data atsubnational level on some of theindicators which may be ofinterest to a national FIVIMS.There is a clear programme ofwork into which the FIVIMSactivities could clearly fit.There are good and improvingresources in GIS information andmapping with some trainingunder way. The need for furthercapacity building and staffdevelopment is clearlyrecognized.Have good working relations withseveral other departments -useful first step in developmentof a network.
Good history in working withother agencies in managing andcollecting data.Extensive experience in analysisand dissemination of technicaldata and information fromdifferent sources.Committed to regular and timelyproduction of the bulletin.Recognize impact ofstrengthened agricultural sectoron the balance of payments.
While GIS and related computerskills are relatively strong in theorganization, they will need to befurther strengthened to take intoaccount losses to the privatesector.Technical department focused onland and environment so foodsecurity would need to beexplicitly linked to their corefunctions.
The time frame for the upcomingdemographic census is very tightas far as incorporating FIVIMSfocused questions – and thestage of development of thequestionnaire is advanced. Some data gathered particularlydemographic through the “chief”system is partial as there is noculture of statistics – hence thereis significant (>50% in someinstances) under-reporting.The questionnaire for thedemographic survey is primarilyfocused on that type ofinformation and less on datadirectly applicable to foodsecurity.
FIVIMS related data is noteasiest to collect – so wouldneed careful planning to get bestfrom what is available.
GIS skilled personnelGIS database on SamoaHazard map for incorporationwith socio-economic and foodsecurity data.Access to satellite imagery andexperience in its interpretation.
Baseline maps to ensurestandardized use of areas.Training on economic statistics.Statistical expertise in carryingout key surveys.Agricultural census/survey dataBasic population data from theCensus of 1991 and upcoming2001.
Economic information –especially links to internationalfinancial and economic systemsNetwork and links to otherinstitutionsReport production andmanagement experience.
(Adapted from Bruno et al., 2001)
were identified that could play a vital and supporting
role as well, including the Central Bank of Samoa,
Treasury Department, Department of Trade, Commerce
and Industry, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Education
Department and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The
support and participation of these partner institutions
is important; keeping them informed and involved in
any national FIVIMS could foster good information
networks.
OSSIBLE KEY INDICATORSDATABASE SYSTEM
FOR SAMOA
The set-up of a Key Indicators Database System (KIDS)
for Samoa is outlined in Figure 1. Data and information
flow into a national database where they are used in
different ways and processed into reports, graphical
format, tabular format and maps for users of
information. The flow of data and information begins
from the bottom with information systems and
databases held by various organizations.
Figure 2 represents various components for KIDS.
This is divided into four broad categories:
1 individual outcome indicators
2 household context indicators
3 national food economy indicators
4 national and subnational context indicators.
Institutions in Samoa from which data information
could be extracted are also shown within these broad
categories. Table 7 also provides valuable information on
possible indicators from partner institutions for a
national FIVIMS.
UMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS
Key institutionsThe assessment study identified four key institutions
that have relevant information systems and databases
for the initial set-up of a national FIVIMS. These are the
Department of Statistics, the Ministry of Agriculture,
Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology, the Department of
Lands, Survey and Environment and Health Department.
Each institution contributes different types of information
and together provide a broad range of expertise and
experience that could support a national FIVIMS for
Samoa.
Partner institutionsThe assessment study also identified several partner
institutions that could play a supporting but vital role in
the set-up of national FIVIMS. These partner institutions
include the Central Bank of Samoa, Treasury
Department, Department of Trade, Commerce and
Industry, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Education
Department and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Constraints and limitationsThe study noted several constraints and limitations that
vary in degree from institution to institution. These are
related to the collection, management, analyses,
dissemination and utilization of information.
S
P
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Table 6 Information systems/database from partner institutions
Institution Type of information and/or contribution to a national FIVIMS
Central Bank of Samoa Monetary information: statistics on local markets, industrial production, merchandise trade, financial, inflation rate, tourism data and overseas transactions.
Treasury Department Economic information: national accounts, financial statistics, sectoral shares, exchange rates, GDP, foreign grants, imports and exports statistics.
Department of Trade, Market, investment and trade information. Commerce and Industry
Education Department Information on level of education (primary, secondary, tertiary), adult literacy rate.
Ministry of Women’s Affairs Link to women’s committees and good grass-roots information at the village level.
Ministry of Internal Affairs Links at the village level through village mayors or pulenuu. Could contribute grass-root information from villages.
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Table 7 Possible indicators for a national FIVIMS in Samoa
Institution/organization Type of information and data Existing and/or possible indicators
Health Department - • Maternal anaemia • Obesity • Low birth weightNutrition Centre • Undernourished children • Diet composition • Body mass index for age
• Underweight children • Prevalence of malaria • Underweight children
• Infant mortality rate under 5 years
• Maternal mortality rate • Underweight children
• Total fertility rate 5-10 years
• Contraceptive use prevalence • Maternal anaemia
• Infants exclusively breastfed • Number of undernourished children
• Immunization coverage
Department of Lands, Survey • Environmental risks and • Soil slope • Total area (km2)and Environment hazards • Soil texture • Land area (ha)
• Land-use changes, • Soil fertility • Arable land (% of land area)land-site planning • Availability of water resources • Agricultural area (ha)
• Soil inventories • Rates of soil erosion • Permanent pasture • Watershed management • Rates of fishstock depletion (% of land area)• Endangered species and • Rates of changes for • Soil types
habitat tracking groundwater• Erosion and sedimentation
selection• Road planning• Surface water retention• Delineation of land boundaries• Solid waste disposal site
planning• Environmental impact
assessment
Department of Statistics • Crop production • Wages and salaries • Percentage of population • Crop yield • Average household members in different age groups• Consumer Price Index • Households headed by women • Population growth rate• Vital statistics • Age dependency ratio • Urban/rural population • Food imports • Access to safe water shares• Income and expenditure • Average household size • Average household income• Population • Income from agriculture
• Income from non-agricultural sources
Ministry of Agriculture, • Crop production • Milk and milk products • Incidence of destructiveForests, Fisheries and • Crop yield production cyclonesMeteorology • Cost of production • Egg production • Incidence of destructive
• Livestock production • Fertilizer production floods• Fisheries production • Cattle production • Incidence of destructive• Rainfall • Poultry production volcanic eruptions • Temperature • Swine production • Incidence of destructive• Natural disasters • Marine fisheries production droughts
by region • Root/tuber production• Total marine catch by region • Fruit production• Marine molluscs by catch • Vegetable production
by region • Meat production• Marine crustaceans • Aquaculture fish production
GIS mappingGIS mapping is a priority for FIVIMS activities in Samoa.
Two institutions have this capability and mapping
relevant datasets and information from existing
databases is cited as immediate activities for a national
strategy and work plan.
KIDS frameworkA possible framework for a KIDS for Samoa is proposed
– this could be based on existing information systems
and databases. The framework could assist future
FIVIMS activities in the selection of core indicators that
could help monitor food insecurity and vulnerability
needs in Samoa.
National FIVIMS focal pointThe need to formalize a national FIVIMS Focal Point for
Samoa is a noted concern (Riches, 2002). The current
absence of a formal contact person, organization or
government institution to coordinate and facilitate the
implementation of FIVIMS activities is a notable
constraint. This needs to be addressed if the initiative is
to move ahead. It is vital therefore to seek government
approval before or parallel to any planned FIVIMS
activities. The selection and housing of a focal point is
strictly a national decision: a starting-point could be the
four key institutions identified above. Key issues that
need consideration include the mandate, effectiveness
and sustainability of FIVIMS activities in the long term.
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Figure 1 Possible KIDS for Samoa
ANALYTICAL TOOLS• Statistical functions• Causality chain
analyses• Simulation models
DISPLAY TOOLS• Key indicators• GIS mapping system
NATIONALLEVEL
SubnationalInformation Systems• MAFFM• HD• DLSE• DoS
Donor-held Information Systems• NZODA• AusAID• JICA• EU
Privately held Databases• Non-Government
Organization
UN Agency Information Systems• UNESCO• UNDP• WHO• FAO• WMO
DATA STORAGE TOOLKEY INDICATORSDATABASE
Reports Maps Charts Tables
USERS• Policymakers/Advisers• Government officials • Donor community
The possibility of linking FIVIMS into core activities of
a possible focal point that has the mandate on food
insecurity and vulnerability should also be addressed. A
possible guide is the Strategy for the Development of
Samoa (SDS) statement, which outlines priority areas for
development and institutions responsible for these areas.
Appropriate institutional infrastructure, resources
(finance and human) to facilitate and coordinate FIVIMS
activities are also vital. For example, does the potential
focal point have the capacity and experience to provide
credible policy advice on food insecurity and
vulnerability related issues?
The potential focal point should also have the ability
to communicate and network effectively and experience
in working with cross-sectoral issues and with a wide
range of stakeholders (government institutions, non-
government organizations, the donor community and
overseas missions).
Recommendations The following recommendations are drawn based on the
findings of the assessment study:
1 It is recommended that the formulation of a national
FIVIMS strategy consider priority areas identified by
the Government of Samoa. These are outlined in the
Statement for the SDS 2002–2004. It is anticipated
that the value and long-term sustainability of a
national FIVIMS could be significant to Samoa if it is
Figure 2 Recommended components of KIDS and possible contributors in Samoa
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EconomicConditions• TSY• CBS
Environmental Conditions and Natural Resources• DLSE• MAFFM
DemographicConditions• DoS• HD• ED
Political Conditions
Social & Cultural Conditions• ED• HD
Risks, Hazards Shocks• DLSE• MAFFM
Food Availability• MAFFM• DoS• CBS
Food Access• MAFFM• CBS• TSY
Stability of Food Supplies and Access• MAFFM
HouseholdCharacteristics• MAFFM• DoS• HD
Health and Sanitation• HD• DLSE
Care and Feeding Practices• HD
Health Status• HD
Food Consumption• HD
Nutritional Status• HD
Individual Outcome IndicatorsHousehold Context Indicators
National FoodEconomyIndicators
National and Sub-NationalContext Indicators
perceived as a priority area endorsed and in line with
development goals and policies of government.
2 It is recommended that the immediate task of FIVIMS is
to seek consensus amongst the four key government
institutions identified in the assessment study regarding
the selection of an interim national focal point. Any
decision for a national focal point must be made by
Cabinet, but the need to put forward a case for Cabinet
endorsement requires a policy submission made by the
most appropriate and relevant institution whose
mandate covers FIVIMS-related activities. The interim
national focal point would function as a secretary until
Cabinet makes the final decision.
3 The formal channel of soliciting Cabinet endorsement
is that a government institution put forward a policy
paper to the Cabinet Development Committee (CDC),
outlining the need and relevance of FIVIMS activities
to (1) priority areas for development of government,
and (2) within the mandated functions of the applicant
institution. It is highly recommended that one of the
four institutions outlined above undertake this initial
task in getting the necessary political backing.
4 It is recommended that the national strategy and
work plan take into consideration priority areas
outlined in the FIVIMS consultancy reports – namely
the analysis and integration of statistical information
into GIS mapping when planning immediate FIVIMS
activities for Samoa. Furthermore, the development of
FIVIMS activities should consider constraints and
weaknesses of existing information systems and
databases.
5 It is recommended that capacity-building activities
are formulated and developed into the work plan for
the collection, management, analyses, dissemination
and utilization of information.
EFERENCES
Bruno, A, Riches, J. & Fiti-Sinclair, R. 2001. Supporting
pilot applications of the Food Insecurity and
Vulnerability Information and Mapping Systems
(FIVIMS) Initiative in Small Island Developing States.
Report on First Mission to Samoa and Fiji. Rome.
FAO.
Crawley, B. 2000. GIS data assessment for Samoa.
Sub-Regional Office for the Pacific Islands. FAO.
FAO. 2000. Guidelines for national FIVIMS – background
and principles. Rome. FAO.
Government of Samoa. 2002. Strategy for the
development of Samoa 2002–2004. Apia, Samoa.
Economic Policy and Planning Division, Treasury
Department.
Riches, J. 2002. Supporting pilot applications of the
Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and
Mapping Systems (FIVIMS) Initiative in Small Island
Developing States. Report on Second Mission to
Samoa and Fiji. Rome. FAO.
The Samoa Observer. 2002. More political will
and resources. FAO. 5 September. The Samoa
Observer
R
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Name Organization/institution
Mr Iosefo Bourne Central Bank of Samoa
Mr Karras Lui
Ms Donna Sila MAFFM - Animal Health and Production Division.
Mr Atonio Mulipola MAFFM - Fisheries Division.
Mr Fa’atoia Malele MAFFM - Meteorology Division.
Ms Christine Quested Health Department – Nutrition Centre
Mr Bismarck Crawley Department of Lands, Survey and Environment
Ms Mativa Mulipola Department of Statistics
Ms Leilua Taulealo
Ms Mata Schuster Habitat for Humanity
Appendix IOrganizations and
institutions consulted
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Introduction The FIVIMS (Food Insecurity and Vulnerability
Information Mapping System) initiative is a result of the
World Food Summit in 1996 when world leaders
pledged their commitment to fight world hunger and
poverty. The goal of the initiative is to support and
promote national level activities that compile, analyse
and disseminate valuable statistical information. This will
help identify food-insecure sections of the population,
vulnerable members and assist policy-makers develop
and implement policies that help attain food security and
reduce associated poverty.
Samoa is one of the five small island developing
states that will pilot the FIVIMS initiative5 under an EU
funded project GCP/INT/742/EC. A major part of this
project in Samoa is the development of a national
FIVIMS strategy.
The following study is undertaken to evaluate
current statistical information systems/databases that
could assist in the development of Samoa’s FIVIMS
strategy. The objectives are (1) to make an inventory
checklist of existing statistical information
systems/databases and (2) to identify weaknesses and
opportunities for priority areas that need institutional
capacity building.
Section 1. Existing informationsystems and database1 What type of information does the Department
collect?
2 How is this information collected, compiled, stored
and disseminated?
3 What kind of analysis do you undertake with the
information?
4 Is the information updated regularly?
5 Does the Department carry out any audit checks for
accuracy of information?
6 Who are the main information users?
7 How do you use the information? Do you collect,
compile and pass information or do you develop
policies from information?
8 How accessible is the information system/database?
What formal channel(s) are taken to gain access?
Section 2. Institutionalcapacity – issues relating tofood security and vulnerabilityinformation generation,management, analysis anddissemination9 What are the main problems or constraints faced by
the Department in generating information,
management of information systems/databases,
analysis and dissemination of information?
10 What priority areas does the Department think needs
strengthening with regards to information
systems/databases?
11 Samoa is one of five small island developing nations
that will pilot the FIVIMS initiative. As a partnership
effort among different organizations, who would be
the most suitable organization to be the national
contact or focal point for FIVIMS? Why?
Probe for:
• type of information;
• their coverage;
• periodicity;
• quality;
• analytical methods;
• dissemination approaches
Appendix IIChecklist for interviews
5 The other small island developing states are Barbados, Cape Verde,Comoros and Fiji.
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Government /Institutions
• Central Bank ofSamoa
• Ministry ofAgriculture,Forests, Fisheriesand Meteorology
• Ministry ofEducation
• Ministry of ForeignAffairs
• Nutrition Centre,Health Department
• Internal AffairsDepartment
• Department ofLands, Survey andEnvironment
• StatisticsDepartment
• Ministry of Trade,Commerce andIndustry
• TreasuryDepartment
• Samoa WaterAuthority
• National ProvidentFund
• Ministry ofWomen’s Affairs
Universities
• National Universityof Samoa
• University of theSouth Pacific
National NGOs
• Gethsemane andTHORN
• LotoFiamalamalamaSchool
• Loto TaumafaiSchool
• Women inBusiness
• Habitat forHumanity
Bilateral agencies
• AusAID
• JICA
• NZODA
International NGOsand others
• Peace Corps
• South PacificRegionalEnvironmentalProgramme(SPREP)
UN agencies
• UNESCO
• WorldMeteorologicalOrganization –Regional Office
• UNDP – Samoa
Appendix IIIExisting information systems/databases
relevant to FIVIMS activities in Samoa
Recommended