According to the analysis, a nutritious diet in Samoa costs more than four times than what a basic energy diet costs. Photo: RNZ / Koroi Hawkins
Many Samoans face serious health risks due to poor nutrition, which is partly attributed to the high cost and limited availability of healthy food in the country, a diet analysis report has found.
The Cost of the Diet Analysis report published by Samoa's Ministry of Agriculture and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reveals the nation is facing a "nutrition crisis", which is made worse by "a shift from traditional diets to imported, ultra-processed foods".
The analysis used food price data from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics and WFP's Enhance linear optimisation tool to model the lowest-cost food baskets that could meet the nutritional needs of a six-person household.
The report found that, while food may be abundant in calories, it is often deficient in the nutrients essential for health, growth and resilience.
According to the analysis, a nutritious diet in Samoa - which provides both energy and nutrients - costs more than four times than what a basic energy diet costs. As a result, more than 40 percent of Samoan households cannot afford healthy food.
The report also notes that nearly 80 percent of Samoan women are classified as obese, and that over 70 percent of deaths in the country are linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Samoa Ministry of Agriculture chief executive Dr Seuseu Joseph Tauati and WFP's Pacific Office country director Alpha Bah said: "Findings from the Cost of the Diet Analysis report state that for an average six-member household in Samoa, a nutritious diet that meets the energy and nutritional needs of the household (including foods such as vegetables, coconut, fish, beef, milk, taro and rice) costs WST50 (US$18) per day. This is four times more than the cost of a basic, energy-only diet (such as wheat, coconut and oil)."
They added: "Furthermore, a comparison of diet costs of individual household members highlights the nutritional vulnerability of adolescent girls and breastfeeding women, who face the highest costs for nutritious diets."
"As a result of this high cost for nutritious diets, many households in Samoa (over 40 percent) cannot afford a healthy diet that contributes to a healthy and productive life."
Dr Seuseu and Bah said the report provides a roadmap for evidence-based, collaborative action.
"First, make nutritious food more affordable and accessible. The report states that diets based solely on local foods are currently twice as expensive as those that include imported items.
"Second, leverage schools and communities. School meal programs, when designed with nutrition in mind, can significantly reduce the cost of a healthy diet for children and adolescents.
"Finally, community-based solutions are essential. Nutrition is a whole-of-nation responsibility. Simply establishing basic community gardens can increase the supply of local produce not only for families but also to local markets, connecting producers to consumers. Something as simple as starting a home garden to grow staples, vegetables and herbs and sharing it with neighbours can go a long way in reducing the cost of healthy diets and adding value to home-cooked meals."
