Countries and Regions

	Table of Contents
p. 4 of 20 BACK | NEXT I. Country Performance Assessment A. Economic Performance Assessment B. Poverty Assessment C. Assessment of Socio-Environmental Performance D. Governance: Sound Development Management E. Implementation Assessment II. Country Operational Strategy III. Sector Strategies IV. Regional Economic Cooperation V. Donor Activities and Aid Coordination VI. Cofinancing and Catalyzing External Resources VII. ADB’s Operational Program VIII. Economic and Sector Work Program IX. Local Cost Financing

Country Assistance Plans - Samoa : I. Country Performance Assessment

---

C. Assessment of Socio-Environmental Performance

1. Gender Issues

10. The Human Development Index for females in Samoa is three percent higher than that for males. This largely reflects a higher life expectancy of 67 years, compared with 65 years for males (see Appendix 1, page 2). Women’s status as measured by the Human Poverty Index is the same as men’s. The primary and secondary enrolment ratios for females are 94 and 75, respectively; while total and teenage fertility rates are relatively low by Pacific standards, at 4.2 and 26, respectively. Women constitute 32 percent of the workforce, but only 19 percent are in paid employment, although women occupy a number of senior positions in the public sector. There are 2 women in parliament and one female minister. In general, women play a significant role in community organization and management; and distinctions drawn on the basis of gender are relatively less common in Samoa compared to other Pacific Island countries. This partly reflects the high importance placed on gender issues by the Government. In 1991, the Government established the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to promote the advancement of the social and economic position of the women of Samoa; and in 1994, Samoa endorsed the Pacific Platform for Action, making an international commitment to promoting the advancement of women in practical and strategic areas of development. Despite these favorable circumstances, economic participation by women is constrained by such factors as limited access to credit.

2. Human Development

11. According to the Pacific Human Development Report 1999 Samoa’s HDI is 0.59 which places the country in fourth place among PDMCs. The ranking is the result of a high adult literacy rate (95.7 percent), a high gross enrolment rate in primary and secondary school (85.7 percent), high life expectancy (66.6 years), and relatively high GDP per capita. However, as is the case for other PDMCs, there is a problem of lifestyle diseases arising from high fat diets, high cigarette and alcohol consumption, and reduced physical activity. The Government spends a relatively high 13 percent of GDP on health, and is committed to improving the efficiency of service delivery. A Strategic Health Sector Plan has been prepared that focuses on strengthening health services through rationalizing operations, and upgrading of training for health personnel.

12. In 1995 the Government published its Education Policy and Associated Strategic Plan for 1995-2005, reflecting the Government’s commitment to improving the quality of education for all Samoans. The policy is based on four key concepts of equity, quality, relevance and efficiency of the public education system. In the Statement of Economic Strategy 2000-2001, Government emphasizes the importance of building a partnership with private institutions, and prioritizes upgrading of primary and secondary education through improved infrastructure and school management, developing vocational education, and improving teachers’ service conditions. Also, at the post-secondary level, means of making public spending more cost-effective will be sought.

3. Environment

13. The islands of Samoa are volcanic and dominated by rugged mountains with a 4-5 kilometer fringe of gently sloping fertile land. They are bordered by fringing coral reefs and coastal lagoons. Samoa’s natural resources are both fragile and scarce, and require careful management. A National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS) was first formulated in 1993 and is now being reactivated. An environmental impact assessment legislation has been drafted and is being presented to Parliament for approval. In its SES, the Government reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection. Four policies on Land Use, Water, Population, and Waste Management are in final stage of preparation and expected to be presented to Parliament for approval. Draft policies for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Marine Resources will be completed shortly, and the existing Forestry Policy will be reviewed.

Back B. Poverty Assessment	Next D. Governance: Sound Development Management