The Central Bank of Samoa is urging Samoans to seek additional sources of income to make up for a projected downturn in remittances.
Last year remittances accounted for 24 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product but families overseas affected by the worldwide recession will no longer be able to send home as much.
The Central Bank's Deputy Governor, Iosefa Bourne, says Samoans may need to help themselves by using the land more productively for export commodities.
Mr Bourne says the government is playing its part by easing monetary policy.
"We are looking at the banks reducing interest rates, to help in the production so it will get the economy going by reducing the cost of borrowing and encouraging the private sector to invest in the economy and keep on employing people."
Iosefa Bourne says there will still be pressure on Samoans overseas but they won't be able to afford remittances if they are on the dole.
