Abstract
Local markets are still an integral part of the food system in developing economies of tropical regions including Samoa. This small South Pacific country is largely dependent on the production of crops in village agriculture, where traditional markets play an important role in sustainability of food supply. Similarly as many small island developing economies, Samoa is currently facing several challenges such as food security and high dependence on food imports. Therefore, we decided to monitor the diversity of plant foods on Samoan local markets and their economic and geographic indicators through interviews with the vendors. Our results suggest that assortment and economical value of plant food products have potential to increase sustainable food security of the local population and support economic growth of the region. For example, underutilized crops available at local markets are prospective species for development of new food products with beneficial nutritional and health properties. Moreover, certain commodities (e.g., papaya, kava and Samoan cocoa) seem to be promising for export. In addition, our findings suggest that development of appropriate processing technologies and the optimization of the logistics of crop products sold at local markets can contribute to an increase in efficiency of the regional agricultural sector.
Highlights
A local market might be described as a location frequented by clients and customers who regularly gather and sell products in the region or area in which they are produced
Information was obtained from a total of 208 vendors, with 63.5% and 36.5% of them selling their products in Upolu and Savaii Islands, respectively
Based on the analysis of data collected during our survey, a typical vendor at the local Samoan market can be described as a female between 31 and 60 years of age living in Upolu
Summary
A local market might be described as a location frequented by clients and customers who regularly gather and sell products in the region or area in which they are produced. Since the local agricultural produce markets form part of the local food system practices, they significantly contribute to food and health security in both developed and developing countries [4,5]. They are based on locally available resources having improved economic viability to both farmers and consumers. Their production and distribution practices are more environmentally friendly in comparison to industrialized food systems and they enhance social equity for all members of the particular community [6,7,8].
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