The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of Samoa has inaugurated its first Digital Media Hub at the Government’s TATTE Building in Apia, marking a significant step towards enhancing public outreach and communication in the sectors of agriculture and fisheries. This modern facility is outfitted with advanced digital and audiovisual technologies aimed at producing timely and high-quality content that raises awareness about food, agriculture, and fisheries.
A significant contribution to this initiative comes from the European Union through its Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems (STODAS) project, which also receives technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. Additionally, the Australian Government’s Market Development Facility has provided supplementary backing for the Hub.
During the launch, Fuimaono Maiava Tito Asafo, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, articulated the Hub’s role in improving the efficiency and transparency of agricultural and fisheries information delivery. “This Hub enhances our capacity to deliver timely, accurate agricultural and fisheries information, document results, and strengthen transparency across our programmes,” he stated.
This new facility is part of the Ministry’s initiative to modernize the engagement with stakeholders and the public effectively. As communication increasingly transitions to digital platforms, enhancing outreach is crucial for ensuring that farmers, fishers, and partners can access relevant knowledge and services seamlessly.
While the focus is on digital innovation, the Hub is designed with inclusivity in mind, serving all communities, including those with limited internet access. It aims to enhance the quality of printed materials and television and radio programming, and will complement existing extension and advisory services, ensuring vital information is accessible to rural and remote areas.
Barbara Plinkert, the European Union’s Ambassador to the Pacific, emphasized the strategic importance of the Hub in bolstering the agriculture sector, a pillar of Samoa’s economic growth, food security, and livelihoods. “The European Union is proud to support the Samoa Digital Media Hub, which is more than a technical facility. It is a dynamic platform for knowledge-sharing, innovation, and connection,” she remarked, highlighting the empowering effect of the Hub on farmers and agribusinesses.
The FAO, as an implementing partner of the STODAS project, expressed congratulations to the international collaboration behind this endeavor. Guangzhou Qu, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, underscored the importance of leaving no one behind in access to nutritious food and accurate information regarding food, agriculture, and fisheries.
The launch event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Australian High Commission, government officials, and partners from the agriculture and fisheries sector, all of whom look forward to the positive impacts of the Digital Media Hub on Samoa’s farming and fishing communities. This initiative promises not only to support the current stakeholders but also to empower future generations in the industry.