You only have to walk into the supermarkets around Apia to realise how expensive basic items have become in recent months.

Store groceries, which a lot of Samoan families rely on as part of their daily meals, have increased exponentially and are now beyond the reach of average citizens who either have one family member or none with a job,

We are talking about staples such as rice, flour, cooking oil, canned fish, canned meat or even the cheapest protein available chicken.

Why do you think fathers or mothers are spending more time today standing next to food shelves in supermarkets looking at the prices with blank stares? They would most likely be doing a mental calculation of the costs and if they would have enough in the pocket for extras.

Every day is becoming a juggling act for Samoan families, with most living by the day and depending on their vegetables or coconut or cocoa samoa sales, at most times peddled by their children on the streets of the capital.

This is why the timing of an article (Price Control Board to look into added costs) in the Wednesday 12 October 2022 edition of the Samoa Observer was perfect as it quoted an appeal by the Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa for Samoa’s Price Control Board to investigate why prices continue to increase.

“I believe this is one area that requires proper investigation to identify so we can look at the price adjustments, especially the impact on consumers' food,” Fiame said in a recent press conference. 

“Goods like flour and sugar, there are discussions on the high cost of a box of chicken.

“But there needs to be an investigation on where exactly the added cost that causes the increase.

“This will assist the Government in its plans through the Price Control.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic crippling Samoa’s economy over the last two and a half years, and global trade grinding to halt as the pandemic’s impact was felt far and wide, it was only a matter of time before the virus’ effects were felt in the region’s vulnerable economies such as Samoa.

Therefore, we are not sure if any interventions by the Price Control Board, which comes under the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour, will make any difference to the retail prices of essential items.

As the head of the Government, the Prime Minister has to put all her cards on the table, in a bid to resolve some of these issues. Let’s hope this issue – as exemplified in the rising cost of living (including the spike in the price of groceries) – could be tackled through the mechanisms provided for under the Price Control Board.

But as vulnerable as our economy is in its current state, we must realise Samoa cannot be shielded from the economic impact of the global pandemic, despite the best efforts of the Government.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us citizens and residents, to take it upon ourselves to consider a change in lifestyle by moving away from an over-reliance on groceries from the shop.

Perhaps, it is the best time for families to consider returning to their plantations for their daily diet of fruits and vegetables, and over time reduce their dependence on processed food.

Going down that pathway will enable families in Samoa to kill two birds with one stone – addressing their food security issues long-term, by relying on homegrown organic food, and living healthy lives that can reduce their health bills.

Prime Minister Fiame made reference to the food security issue during her recent press conference with the local media and its link to addressing some of the country’s health challenges including noncommunicable diseases. Her concerns come on the back of her speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month.

“Access to a balanced and nutritional diet is crucial and requires a return to locally produced quality fresh foods and less of processed imported foods,” the Prime Minister told UN Delegates last month.

“This will be key to addressing the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases which represent the single largest cause of premature mortality in the Pacific countries including Samoa.”

While we’ve always had pride in our resilience to natural disasters, the outlook for the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery looks uncertain at this stage, which means sacrifices within and for our own aiga (family) and working together to ensure we are all in this together.