“More than 80% of households in Samoa reported receiving cash remittances, with the majority being female-headed households.”
The Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) is pleased to announce the official launch of the Samoa 2023 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) Report, providing critical insights into the economic conditions of Samoan households. This survey, the fifth of its kind, builds on previous surveys conducted in 2002, 2008, 2013, and 2018, and was carried out between March and December 2023.
The event will take place on Thursday, 19 December 2024, at the TATTE Conference Room, Level 2, from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
In addition to the report, SBS will unveil other key resources derived from the HIES findings, including:
• The Samoan Food Portion Quantification Manual: Featuring images of commonly consumed foods in Samoa along with their calorie content.
• The Food Security Profile for Samoa: Offering detailed insights into the state of food security in the country.
The HIES plays a vital role in equipping the government and stakeholders with reliable data to create evidencebased policies and programs. These initiatives aim to enhance the well-being of Samoan citizens and support sustainable national development.
The HIES is a cornerstone of national statistics, designed to:
• Update the basket of goods used in compiling the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Rebase the household component of Samoa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• Assess the welfare and nutrition status of Samoans for poverty and food security analysis.
• Provide data for measuring Samoa’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (poverty reduction) and SDG 2 (food security).
Key Contributions and Insights
The 2023 HIES provides an overview of household income, expenditure, and demographic characteristics, analyzed at both the national and regional levels. The findings shed light on income distribution, consumption patterns, and economic activities, identifying areas that require targeted interventions and strategic planning.
Supported by the Government of Samoa and, the Government of Australia through the Tautai Program- Governance for Economic Growth, Pacific Community (SPC), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Asia Development Bank (ADB), the survey provides a robust foundation for policymakers, leaders, and stakeholders across areas such as health, education, agriculture, housing, economic participation and more – essential for monitoring and evaluating development initiatives.
Launch Highlights
The event will feature a keynote address by the Minister of Statistics, Honorable Mulipola Anarosa AleMolioo, who will underscore the importance of statistics in driving Samoa’s development. Additional remarks will be delivered by the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency, William Robinson, and a representative from SPC, Mr Michael Sharp, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and presentation of results to mark this significant milestone.
For further information about the event, please contact Taala Lilianetelani Hennemann at 62000 or email lilianetelani.hennemann@sbs.gov.ws or Fiu Alaiula Ioasa at 62014 or email alaiula.ioasa@sbs.gov.ws.
