Survey Aims to Capture Economic Insights Amidst Ongoing Food Security Challenges.
The Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2024-2025 started on October 21, 2024. This twelve-month survey will involve about 4,700 households from designated Enumerated Areas (EAs) across the Solomon Islands. Its main goal is to collect detailed data on household income and spending patterns.
In the first week, enumerators completed initial household listings and began enumeration in their respective areas. Teams in Choiseul Province are currently active in Taro. Meanwhile, Western Province teams have started their work in Noro and Gizo. In Isabel Province, enumerators are in Buala, while similar activities are underway in Guadalcanal, Malaita, Makira-Ulawa, and Temotu.
The HIES data will be vital for shaping future policy decisions. Previous surveys indicate that about 60% of household income goes toward food. This finding raises concerns about food security and nutrition in the country. Additionally, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that around 13% of preschool children in the Solomon Islands suffer from Vitamin A deficiency. These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted agricultural and nutritional programs.
Furthermore, historical analysis shows that many recommendations from past surveys often go unaddressed. Thus, it is crucial for the government to act on the new findings as the survey progresses. The HIES’s success will depend on how effectively the government uses this data. By doing so, it can inform agricultural and social programs aimed at improving food access and nutritional outcomes for the population.
The Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) conducts the HIES with funding from the World Bank. This initiative is part of the Building Capacity in Statistics and Audit (CAPSA) project. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making for national development.
With SINSO
