Samoa and FAO Collaborate on Smart Agriculture with GEF Funding
Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have announced a transformative smart agriculture project, set to receive USD 2 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Approved in 2025 and validated through a recent workshop in Apia, this initiative marks a strategic step towards climate resilience and sustainable agricultural productivity in Samoa.
The Purpose of the GEF Samoa Smart Agriculture Project
The primary aim of the project is to enhance the resilience of Samoa’s crop and livestock sub-sectors, increase agricultural productivity, and generate both environmental and nutritional benefits. By leveraging Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) methodologies, the project seeks to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change, particularly for smallholder farmers and rural communities.
Key objectives include:
- Strengthening resilience against climate-induced risks
- Improving productivity and reducing production losses
- Enhancing access to extension services and markets
- Empowering local farmers and communities
Insights from the Apia Validation Workshop
The project formulation was validated during a workshop held in Apia, which brought together a range of stakeholders from ministries, the private sector, academia, and civil society. Associate Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, The Hon. Aiolupotea Misa Tony Aiolupo, emphasised the project’s transformative potential for Samoa’s agriculture sector.
Guangzhou Qu, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement, noting that this inclusive approach ensures the project aligns with national priorities and supports the transformation towards more efficient, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Key Components and Implementation Strategy
MAF will lead the project’s implementation in alignment with the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS) and sector plans from both MAF and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). The project has an impact-driven focus and allocates 70% of its resources to field-level activities, including:
- Demonstrating Integrated Ecosystem-Based Crop–Livestock Systems
- Piloting low-impact animal health, feed, nutrient, and waste management solutions
- Establishing eight climate-smart demonstration plots across four selected agro-ecological zones in Apia and Savai
The initiative aims to bring at least 12% of Samoa’s agricultural land under improved production practices, promoting environmentally friendly crop and livestock production methods.
Legal and Policy Implications for Samoa
For professionals and government agencies, this project represents a practical application of national and international policy frameworks. Implementation is closely aligned with Samoa’s development pathways and sectoral policy objectives. Stakeholders are encouraged to:
- Review current legal frameworks on climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture
- Identify regulatory gaps and opportunities for alignment with the new project
- Participate in technical training and capacity-building sessions offered by MAF and FAO
This approach not only supports compliance with emerging environmental standards but also fosters long-term institutional resilience.
Practical Benefits for Farmers and Communities
The project is designed to deliver tangible benefits at the grassroots level, including:
- Increased productivity: By introducing climate-smart practices, farmers can achieve higher and more stable yields.
- Reduced climate-related losses: Improved risk management reduces vulnerability to extreme weather events.
- Enhanced extension services: Farmers gain better access to technical advice, digital advisory tools, and market information.
- Community empowerment: Revolving funds and targeted support for women and youth promote inclusive economic growth.
Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Approaches
A significant focus of the initiative is on gender responsiveness and youth engagement. By supporting women entrepreneurs and young farmers through community-level financing and training, the project aims to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. This aligns with Samoa’s broader commitments to social inclusion and sustainable development.
FAO-GEF Partnership in the Pacific
The Samoa smart agriculture project is part of a wider FAO-GEF partnership across the Pacific Islands, representing a portfolio valued at USD 69 million as of January 2026. With 14 approved projects and seven concepts in nine member countries, this collaboration seeks to modernise agrifood systems and promote sustainable rural development throughout the region.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for the Legal and Professional Sector
For legal practitioners, policymakers, and professionals in Samoa and the Pacific, the smart agriculture project offers multiple opportunities for engagement. These include shaping legal frameworks for climate adaptation, supporting the integration of digital advisory services, and contributing to capacity-building initiatives. By staying informed and actively participating in project activities, stakeholders can help ensure the long-term resilience and sustainability of Samoa’s agricultural sector.
For updates and further details on the GEF-funded smart agriculture project and related FAO initiatives, visit the FAO-GEF Partnership or contact Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.