Pacific and Pasifika Theses

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/4764

The theses listed in this collection were all completed at Massey University in a range of different departments and institutes. They have been included in this collection if the topic is strongly related to Pasifika/the Pacific.

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Assessing the sustainability of indigenous food systems in Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health Nutrition & Food Systems at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2022) Vogliano, Christopher
Indigenous Peoples living in Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) who have traditionally relied on locally grown, biodiverse foods for their primary source of nutrition are now seeing the adverse impacts of changing diets and climate change. Shifts away from traditional diets towards modern, imported and ultra-processed foods are likely giving rise to noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, which are now the leading causes of mortality. Climate change is magnifying health inequities and challenging food and nutrition security through heavier rains, longer droughts, and rising sea levels. COVID-19 has highlighted additional challenges for those living in PSIDS, exposing vulnerabilities across global food systems. Using Solomon Islands as a proxy for the broader Pacific, this thesis aims to assess PSIDS food system sustainability, including diet quality and diversity, as well as perceived food system transitions. Findings from this thesis can help strengthen discourse around promoting sustainable and resilient food systems and help achieve food and nutrition security targets set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Invasive alien species : a threat to sustainable livelihoods in the Pacific? : an assessment of the effects of Wasmannia auropunctata (little fire ant) and Achatina fulica (giant African snail) on rural livelihoods in the Solomon Islands : a dissertation presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies, Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2016) Stronge, Dean
Invasive alien species (IAS) are a global phenomenon and are recognised as a driver of environmental change which can affect the well-being of people in a multitude of ways. Despite this, the role of IAS in local livelihoods has received relatively little attention. Influencing all three of the sustainable development pillars (social, economic, environmental), IAS should be recognised as a significant development issue. But they are not. As such, IAS issues are new to many sectors and governments and therefore largely go unseen and un-actioned. Contemporary rural livelihoods in the Solomon Islands are heavily reliant on subsistence/semi-subsistence agriculture. Following a livelihoods’ framework developed for the Solomon Islands, this thesis explores the influence IAS have on rural livelihoods in this country. Using two qualitative case studies, Wasmannia auropunctata (little fire ant) and Achatina fulica (giant African snail), this study investigates how vulnerable/resilient rural livelihoods are to the effects of IAS and the implications IAS have for sustainable development in the Solomon Islands. The effects of IAS on rural livelihoods are complex and at times contradictory. W. auropunctata for the most part is not negatively affecting the dominant livelihood strategy (subsistence/semi-subsistence agriculture) practised in the Solomon Islands. While there are some social impacts associated with W. auropunctata, overall Solomon Island households can be considered resilient to this IAS. Achatina fulica is a different story. This species is negatively affecting the subsistence/semi-subsistence agricultural sector on which so many rural Solomon Island households depend. This has resulted in households implementing negative livelihood diversification measures as they fail to cope or adapt to the snails’ presence. Unlike for W. auropunctata, Solomon Island households have not demonstrated any resilience to A. fulica. Understanding how rural livelihoods are affected by various stressors and adverse events can help to design development policies and interventions geared towards building better lives for all people. This can only occur however, if the full range of shocks are recognised. To date, this is not the case for IAS, and as such, they are still a significant missing component of development policy.
Custom, governance and Westminster in Solomon Islands : charting a course out of the political quagmire : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2016) Cassells, Ross Macdonald
This thesis investigates whether the people of Solomon Islands would be better served by a form of governance that is politically hybrid than through the current Westminster unitary-state model. In remote provinces such as Choiseul, the reach of the state is limited. Here, notions of citizenship and national identity have gained little traction because kin group relations underpin society and form the basis for peoples’ identity. In such societies customary institutions, in the form of chiefs, and the church provide order. In these self-governing rural communities governance is distinctly parochial in its application and often hybrid in form. This study examines whether the hybrid polities of such communities have an application within the proposed Federal Constitution of Solomon Islands. The thesis, first, examines the international concepts of governance that have shaped and provided a framework within which the state of Solomon Islands, and its systems of governance, have evolved. State governance today, is very much a product of historical antecedents. However, an analysis of these antecedents demonstrates that Solomon Islanders have been particularly adept at appropriating introduced systems for their own purposes, and matters of governance are no exception. Using semi-structured interviews, the fieldwork component of this thesis examines the hybrid form of governance that exists in a Choiseulese village to determine whether such models have an application within the proposed Federal Constitution, thus providing a greater degree of political legitimacy than exists under the current Westminster system. Three tiers of government are proposed in the Federal Constitution – Federal, State and Community Governments. Of these, Community Governments provide a particularly suitable political arena where hybridised forms of village governance, which locally have a considerable degree of political legitimacy, can be combined with such functions of state as are necessary to achieve good governance. This, it is argued, will allow the development of forms of governance that are much more suited to local conditions than is possible under the current constitution.
Understanding the experiences of small business developments : a case study of local business owners in Choiseul Province, Solomon Islands : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management at Massey University (Manawatu campus), Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2014) Leokana, Tozen
Using data drawn from interviews with ten Solomon Island business owners, this study explores the influences and practices that shape the development and operation of small businesses in this context. The study explains these experiences and influences using the three dimension of social capital identified by (Nahapiet & Ghoshal, 1998). The study highlights the influence of family and community in both making business possible and constraining their development. The study discusses in particular the influence of the wantok system and practice of kaon on the success of small businesses in this region.
The impact of smallholder cocoa production on rural livelihoods : case study in the Solomon Islands : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of AgriScience at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2013) Hivu, Dorcas Oroi
Through its working policy, the Solomon Islands government aimed to increase smallholder production of cash crop products, such as cocoa, through which the country not only earned revenue but farmers also earned income. As such, smallholder farmers in the Solomon Islands have been encouraged to venture into cash crop earning activities. In the last decades, donor agencies have been involved a lot with farmers to increase cash crop production. However, rural households depend largely on subsistence activities for their livelihood. Based on the understanding that a lot of assistance has been given to smallholder farmers throughout the country, both by the government and outside aid agencies, this study seeks to investigate the impact of smallholder cash crop production on rural livelihoods. A qualitative case study approach was utilised in this study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with farmers. This study used the Sustainable Livelihood Framework as a guide to investigate the livelihoods at household level. The results show that household’s involvement in cash crop production is facilitated by the church with very limited support from the central government. This study provides an empirical example of how a community integrates cash cropping as part of their livelihood through their own initiatives. Factors which enable households to integrate cash crops as a part of their livelihood include: motivation to participate due to community commitment to the church; access to a trusted market; nature of the crop; and labour availability. Cash cropping, as shown in this study, does not undermine or substitute food production since there is abundant land available. Results also show that cash cropping has significantly improved household income and consequently increase household standard of living. This research found that the benefits of cash cropping are distributed across all households within the community as all households grow crops. Households benefit directly from cash cropping through access to cash. Access to cash opens up opportunities for households and/or individuals to venture into other livelihood activities within the community. This study also found that cash cropping has some negative implications. Access to cash through cash cropping results in a change in cultural expectations towards cash; a change in children’s attitude towards education; decreased participation in communal work; and contributes to reduction in the cultivation of traditional crops with cultural importance to the community. This research suggests that institutions through which rural households have access to and/or benefit from cash cropping should be supported by the government.
Exploring community-based development : a case study of the Estate and rural community development in North Malaita, Solomon Islands : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Master of International Development at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2013) Faiau, James Kwaimani
This thesis is concerned with the concept of community development. In particular, the role and contribution of a community-based initiative in development will be explored. Based on the case study of the Estate, which was introduced in North Malaita in the mid-2000s, this thesis seeks to explore how this initiative contributes to positive community development, which is concerned with not only economic aspects, but also social, cultural and spiritual aspects of development. This study also seeks to understand the underling premises and development values, the success stories and positive impacts of the Estate programs and projects on people‟s lives and communities, as well as the constraints and challenges facing the Estate and rural community development in North Malaita of Solomon Islands. This study of the Estate and community development in North Malaita recognises that there is a need for a comprehensive approach to development which should focus on all dimensions of development which is concerned with the goal of improving the total wellbeing of the people, and on building a strong, healthy and functional community. The Estate has shown that this all-compassing development can be based on collective involvement of local people and institutions driving their own development. This study found that partial approaches to development that only focus on service provision, discrete initiatives, information dissemination, and provision of resources to meet perceived needs have failed to bring about tangible and transformative change and positive development in rural communities in North Malaita and Solomon Islands. Thus, a different approach is being suggested, one that is context based and inclusive, with emphasis on the role of local people to organize their own communities and to utilize local resources to drive development. Far more than a concept that is about development in the rural communities, this study embraces the notion that community development is about development of the community, which includes improvement of the total wellbeing – or the „good life‟ and keeps building a strong community.
The potential of professional learning communities for teacher learning in the community high schools in the Solomon Islands : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education at Massey University (Manawatu), New Zealand
(Massey University, 2013) Galokale, Kerryn Sogha
The rapid growth of community high schools throughout the Solomon Islands, since the 1990s, has put pressure on the government to provide trained teachers, together with school curriculum materials and resources. Moreover, the Solomon Islands are expected to experience a shortage of trained teachers over the next decade. An effective approach that could be used to address the shortage of trained teachers is the establishment of professional learning communities. This study explores the pre-existing ‘cultures’ of teachers within two community high schools, in order to illuminate the formal and non-formal learning experiences of teachers (together with other significant contextual factors related to these community high schools), which could be built upon, to develop effective professional learning communities that would lead to quality teacher learning. This study draws on qualitative research methods and uses a case study approach. Ten teachers in two community high schools participated in semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. A reflective journal was also used to gather data. The research question that guided the data collection was: What are the formal and informal learning experiences of teachers in community high schools that may provide the basis for developing professional learning communities for teachers’ learning? The key findings of this research include the potential teaching and learning experiences of the teachers in these two community high schools, which could be further improved, in order to develop effective professional learning communities. Shared values and norms; collaborative practices and structures; reflective practices; and a focus on student learning lend support to professional learning communities. The findings also highlight existing obstacles and hindrances to teachers’ learning experiences and practices that need to be addressed, in order for professional learning communities to be established successfully in these schools. This study suggests six recommendations for the establishment of professional learning communities in community high schools which includes: shared responsibilities; sharing information and ideas; active leadership roles; frequent departmental staff meetings; staff devotions; and support from all stakeholders.
Enlarging the field of credible experience : supporting young Solomon Islanders as agents of positive change in their communities : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2012) Davidson, Alice Joy
This thesis explores the idea of young Solomon Islanders as agents of positive change and argues that understandings around youth agency, its expressions, and the factors that support and constrain it, should be a key feature framing youth and development. Young people are generally viewed as those between the ages of 15 and 29, and make up a growing proportion of Pacific populations. Valuing them as solutions for development, rather than as 'problems', is being increasingly promoted throughout the region. Investigations into youth agency, however, are relatively recent and there is still a great deal to be learnt about how they could be used to improve the situation for youth. This thesis adds to these explorations by investigating the constraints and enablers for transformative youth agency in Solomon Islands, and by examining young people's articulations of agency and how they employ these in order to carve out a place of credibility for themselves in their communities and nation. A 'hopeful' post-development approach, which holds that development should validate previously subjugated practices and should prioritise assets and agency, is taken as the foundation for explorations of youth and development. Agency is then explored using a framework for investigating factors which 'thin' and 'thicken' youth agency. Fieldwork took place over five weeks in Solomon Islands in late 2011. A narrative inquiry methodological framework, guided by principles from Pacific methodologies and an actor-oriented approach, was utilised for this thesis research. The findings of this study show that young people do face multifaceted constraints on their agency, but that they can work in spite of these when they are socially supported. The socially situated nature of youth agency is therefore highlighted, and the need for young people to be positioned within their social networks discussed. Additionally, the findings contest the negative conceptualisations held to be present around young Solomon Islanders by indicating the many ways in which they are actively contributing to their communities. The main implication of the findings, and the conclusion of the thesis, is that development policy and practice must build on understandings of young people as socially situated contributors, as well as, on the factors that constrain and enable their agency, in order to legitimise and support youth as agents of positive change.
A review of the nature of beef cattle industry in the Solomon Islands with emphasis on soil fertility factors influencing pasture production on selected farms : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters degree in Soil Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2012) Sefa, Simon Iro
A general review of primary production in the Solomon Islands indicated that cattle grazing is mainly an activity involving smallholder farmers for cash income and consumption for their extended families. The review and a farm survey indicated that the productive capacity of pasture soils and many agricultural soils in Solomon Islands, continues to decline because poor, near-subsistence, farmers are unable, for economic reasons and lack of training, to provide land management strategies for crops and grazed pastures that maintain or improve soil fertility. This thesis reports on three investigations undertaken to assess the fertility levels of some pasture soils in Solomon Islands. This knowledge is required to develop soil fertility management strategies to assist in sustaining the productivity of grazed pasture and the beef cattle industry in the country. The review indicated that most soils are developed from volcanic materials and a few from corals. Most land considered suitable for agricultural use has not been characterised and recorded. Increasingly, the soils require additional sources of nutrients as they only obtain nutrients from decomposed organic matter and weathering soil minerals. Four farms (ASI, ILA, NAC, and STJT) were selected and surveyed focussing on examining their general background information, identification of pasture species, and evaluating the efficiency of record keeping practices. The pasture grass/legume species identified on the farms are T-grass, Carpet grass, Paragrass, White clover, Puero, Centro and Mimosa. Attempts to maintain soil fertility were based on traditional methods of using local waste materials as organic manures. The survey indicated that farmers are lacking in knowledge and did not value the importance of farm record keeping. Therefore, farm records were not available to provide sufficient information to construct a nutrient budget for each farm. Soils and herbage samples were collected in different places within the study areas. Soils were collected at 0-7.5 cm and 7.5-15 cm depths. These samples were chemically analysed and used in a glasshouse trial to test the growth response of white clover (T.Repens) to phosphate (P) and potassium (K) and sulphur (S) fertilizer additions. Low soil P test values were common, however analysis of the field sampled herbage did not confirm P deficiency. In the glasshouse trial, however legume growth was highly responsive to soil type, initial soil P status and added P fertiliser. Legume growth was non-responsive to application of K and S.Recommendations relating to farm record keeping, soils and herbage tests results, and alternative strategies to improve/maintain the soil fertility are discussed. Future research directions that should be taken to boost the production of pasture and beef cattle industry are also discussed.
Foreign direct investment and economic growth in small island economies : the case of Solomon Islands : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Economics at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2012) Ragimana, Elizabeth Versey
The role of foreign direct investment (FDI) has been recognised as a catalyst in the growth of developing nations in that it brings additional sources of capital investment and foreign savings. In addition to its primary aim as a source of capital formation, FDI also brings productive benefits, which include employment creation, technology transfer and associated spillover effects; skills development; trade and competitiveness; and access to foreign markets. As such, FDI is viewed in many studies as a key driver of economic growth, since it enhances profitability of domestic investment; transforms the host country’s ownership structure of total investment; complements funding for domestic investment and improves the productive sectors of the economy. This study examines several hypotheses relating to the linkage between FDI inflows and economic growth in the case of Solomon Islands. First, the study investigates the contribution of FDI to economic growth (i.e. the FDI-led growth nexus) in Solomon Islands. Second, it examines the main determinants of FDI (i.e. the growth driven-led FDI nexus). Finally, the productivity effects of FDI (i.e. the FDI-productivity nexus) on the main sectors of primary, manufacturing and services are evaluated. The directions of causality between selected variables for these three hypotheses are also examined. Using time series data for the period from 1970 to 2010, the autoregressive distributed lag approach to cointegration is utilised to evaluate the FDI-led growth nexus and the growth driven-led FDI nexus. The Granger causality approach is adopted to evaluate the direction of causality between the selected FDI and growth variables. The FDI-productivity nexus is analysed using the stepwise and Granger causality approaches for the period 1985-2010. The empirical findings of the FDI-growth nexus show that FDI inflows, domestic investment, trade openness and labour are major influential factors of economic growth in the Solomon Islands. For the growth driven-led FDI nexus, the empirical findings show that economic growth, domestic investment, openness, exports, and infrastructure are all important determinants of FDI inflows. However, the civil strife and political instability, and high inflation deter FDI inflows and are detrimental to economic growth. In the FDI-productivity nexus, the primary and services sectors benefit the most from the productivity effects of FDI inflows complemented by better institutions, education, infrastructure and a stable political environment. The findings not only have important policy implications for the Solomon Islands but also for other small island economies.

Pacific and Pasifika Theses

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