2011年-世界发展银行全球_Strengthening_the_Performance_of_Samoas_Fruit_and_Vegetable_Sector_34页_1mb

Summary of the FINAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REPORT 2011: Strengthening the Performance of Samoa’s Fruit and Vegetable Sector

Core Content

This report, prepared by the World Bank as part of a technical assistance initiative, aims to support the Government of Samoa in enhancing the competitiveness of its fruit and vegetable sub-sector. It outlines opportunities for growth, challenges facing the sector, and a series of recommendations to improve production, marketing, and infrastructure.

Main Viewpoints

• Agricultural Participation: Around 18,000 households in Samoa are involved in agriculture, with the majority producing for home consumption and a smaller number for domestic markets.
• Import Dependence: Domestic supply chains for fruits and vegetables are underdeveloped, leading to reliance on imports for quality, continuity, and price stability. On average, 50% of all fruits and vegetables consumed were imported between 2003 and 2005.
• Opportunities for Import Substitution and Export Expansion: There are significant opportunities to replace some imported fruits and vegetables with domestic production, particularly sub-tropical and tropical varieties. The report emphasizes the potential for increasing local production and improving market access.
• Health and Consumption Trends: Per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables in Samoa is below global and regional averages. Encouraging higher consumption is crucial for public health, especially given the prevalence of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
• Land and Water Constraints: Land availability is a key factor, with about 30% of Samoa's land suitable for agriculture. Water management is a critical issue, as both excessive rainfall and dry spells affect production.
• Organized Retail and Foodservice Channels: Unlike many other countries, Samoa has well-organized retail and foodservice channels that represent over 60% of total fruit and vegetable sales. This presents a significant opportunity for commercial farmers to link with these buyers.
• Need for Professionalization: The report highlights the need for a transition from subsistence to professional agriculture, where farmers produce according to market demands and maintain direct links with buyers.

Key Recommendations

1. Improved Planting Material Access:

   • Identify and trial fruit and vegetable varieties that are suitable for Samoan conditions and have commercial potential.
   • Develop appropriate husbandry practices and provide extension services to farmers.
   • Ensure availability of appropriate seeds and agricultural inputs through collaboration with vendors.

2. Financing Mechanisms:

   • Use a combination of demand-driven bank loans, matching grants, and household contributions.
   • Focus on investments in land preparation, irrigation, and mechanization (e.g., two-wheeled tractors) to improve productivity and efficiency.

3. Farmer Marketing Groups:

   • Encourage the formation of business-oriented farmer groups to improve access to market and technical knowledge.
   • Support aggregation of produce for more efficient marketing and better price realization.
   • Explore models such as village development committees and self-managed groups.

4. Technical and Market Knowledge:

   • Develop detailed crop calendars and promote best practices in crop nutrition and post-harvest handling.
   • Provide training in business planning and good agricultural practices.
   • Facilitate communication between farmers and key customers through business roundtables and buyer-seller meetings.

5. Organic and Niche Products:

   • Promote the development of organic and niche products through market development and certification support.
   • Encourage the use of Samoa's overseas missions to identify export opportunities.
   • Focus on cost-effective post-harvest practices that allow for ocean-based transport to reduce costs.

Key Information

• Import Statistics (2002-2008):

  • Fruits: Total imports 491.3 MT, average value WST 1,715,460.
  • Vegetables: Total imports 1,243.3 MT, average value WST 3,146,519.
  • The unit value of imported fruits and vegetables varies, with apples and coconuts having the highest unit values.

• Land Use:

  • 70% of land is forest, scrub, or urban use.
  • 30% is cropped (25,000 acres), grassland (45,000 acres), or plantation (130,000 acres).
  • 80% of land is under customary title, with 20% government-owned or freehold.
  • The Samoa Land Corporation (SLC) controls 24,000 acres, including improved agricultural land.

• Water Management:

  • Rainfall is heavy during October-February, making it difficult to produce vegetables during these months.
  • During dry months (May-August), insufficient soil moisture leads to low yields and high losses.
  • Efficient water harvesting and storage systems are needed to ensure year-round production.

• Market Access:

  • The organized retail and foodservice sector is a key market for fresh produce.
  • A significant portion of fruit and vegetable sales is controlled by organized retailers, hotels, and restaurants.
  • Direct linkages with buyers are essential for cost competitiveness and market access.

• Farmer Organization:

  • Most farmers are subsistence-oriented, producing for home consumption.
  • Only a few hundred farmers are involved in commercial production.
  • Aggregation of farmers into market-driven units is necessary for efficient marketing and meeting buyer requirements.

Conclusion

The report outlines a comprehensive strategy to improve the performance of Samoa's fruit and vegetable sector, focusing on enhancing productivity, market access, and infrastructure. It emphasizes the importance of farmer organization, technical support, and financial mechanisms in achieving sustainable growth and reducing reliance on imports. The recommendations are aligned with the goals of the proposed Samoa Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Project (SACEP).