The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Samoa has inaugurated its first Digital Media Hub at the TATTE Building in Apia, aimed at enhancing public outreach and communication within the sectors of agriculture and fisheries. This new facility is equipped with advanced digital and audiovisual technologies, enabling the production of timely and high-quality information to raise awareness about food, agriculture, and fisheries.
The establishment of the Hub is significantly supported by the European Union through its Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems in Fiji, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands (STODAS) project, which benefits from technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. Additional support has come from the Market Development Facility, funded by the Australian Government.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Fuimaono Maiava Tito Asafo, emphasized that the Hub will enhance the delivery of accurate and timely information, documenting results and supporting transparency across various programs. This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s goal to modernize engagement with stakeholders and the public amid the growing reliance on digital platforms and visual storytelling.
The Hub aims to ensure that vital information reaches all communities, including those with limited internet access. It will improve the quality of printed materials and enhance television and radio programming, thereby complementing existing extension and advisory services targeted at rural and remote populations.
Barbara Plinkert, the European Union Ambassador to the Pacific, underlined the Hub’s essential role in supporting the agricultural sector, a cornerstone of Samoa’s economic growth, food security, and livelihoods. She conveyed the EU’s proud partnership in the initiative, describing the Hub as a dynamic platform for knowledge-sharing and innovation, which is crucial for empowering farmers and agribusinesses.
The FAO has also congratulated the collaborative efforts that led to the establishment of the Digital Media Hub. Guangzhou Qu, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, reinforced the importance of ensuring that all communities have access to accurate and timely information relating to food, agriculture, and fisheries.
The launch of the Digital Media Hub was attended by various representatives from the Australian High Commission, government officials, development partners, and stakeholders within the agriculture and fisheries sectors. This initiative represents a positive step towards enhancing the digital capacity of the Ministry and supporting the sustainable development of Samoa’s crucial agricultural and fisheries sectors.
Leave a comment