We are all victims of a crime we did not commit : Sustainable Development of Indigenous Agriculture - A Study in Western Samoa

Abstract: Western Samoa is one of the most vulnerable countries from climate changes due to its geographic location, and as agriculture is a main industry on the island, this sector is vulnerable to different risks such as tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall or droughts. Samoa could in theory be self-sufficient, but imports large quantities of processed foods which is affecting the health of the population in a negative way. The purpose of the thesis is to create an understanding of how the development of indigenous agriculture in Samoa can lead to increasing efficiency and sustainability and a decrease of the need for development aid and economical support from family members abroad. The thesis uses a deductive approach and data collection is performed by using semistructured interviews as well as observations. Secondary data has been gathered from databases, previous research and modern media. Through the study it has been explored that the resilience towards climate shocks has to improve in order to maintain a long-term sustainable development. Increased resilience is achieved by reducing the amount of vulnerabilities. Western Samoa is on a good path of keeping their way of being organic and sustainable regarding the agriculture sector. The upcoming years with prognosis of increased tourism will be a healthy addition to the economic growth of Samoa. Looking towards remittances, it becomes clear that current high rate of remittances is a problem in Samoa, as some families could rely on nothing but remittances and skip farming their land.