Pacific Research and Policy Centre

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Start date: 1990End date: 1999

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    A study of non-commercial dairy farming systems in the Western Division of Fiji : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Agricultural Science in Farm Management at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1992) Richardson, Fiona J
    The purpose of this study was to describe the smallholder dairy system(s) in the Western Division of Viti Levu. the largest island of Fiji. The role and contribution of non-commercial dairy cows to the income, nutrition and cultural well-being of Indian families in these systems was assessed. In common with such dairy systems elsewhere in the developing world there is a dearth of available information on the non-commercial dairy sector of Fiji. A Farming Systems Research (FSR) approach provided the framework for the field survey which was carried out in the Western Division of Fiji over an eight week period from February to March 1991. Nineteen farmers selected at random were interviewed for this study. These farmers together owned a total of 36 non- commercial dairy cows. Information was obtained from these farmers on their farming resources and operations and in particular, on the roles, production and reproductive performance of their cows. Using data from these farms and other limited secondary data which was available, a whole farm budget for a typical farm in the survey area was prepared, identifying the revenue and costs of commercial and subsistence crop enterprises and the two-cow system. For the 'typical' farm, the total net revenue from the combined crop enterprises (commercial and subsistence) was F$5433/year. with sugar cane providing the main source of income from the farm. The imputed net value of production from the two-cow system was estimated to be about 38% of the net crop revenue. Per capita consumption for Indian farm families of fat and protein from liquid milk were estimated to be 11,6kg and 10.5kg per year, respectively. Survey results show that liquid milk is a significant source of protein to these families. Farmers reported that if a cow was not owned a reduction in the nutritional welfare, health and income of the family would most likely occur. Longitudinal field studies in these smallholder farming systems are recommended to allow the essential dynamics of the livestock enterprises and the relationships between these enterprises, the cropping systems and the farmers' families to be established.. It is concluded from the field studies that non-commercial dairy cows make a significant contribution to the nutrition and economic and cultural well being of the families which keep them. and that these cows are maintained and produce using resources of low opportunity cost to the farm family. Key words: smallholder dairy systems. Farming Systems Research. Fiji agriculture, tropical dairy production.
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    From the outside looking in : identity in selected Fijian short stories written in English : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of a Master of Arts at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1999) Tuvuki, Sandra Dawn
    Construction of colonial identities in Fiji were built upon the premise of British superiority and difference from others, as they were in other parts of the colonised world. Colonial discourse regularly employed stereotypes to reduce other communities into simple and therefore controllable concepts. Fiji's post-colonial voices have had to write their ways out of these reduced roles and clear a space for representations of life in Fiji that differ from earlier elucidations. The body of writing which began to emerge in the 1960s is represented here by a selection of short stories by a number of authors writing from and about Fiji. The main focus here is on the ways identities which emerge from these stories pull the texts together into a definable body of writing, despite the diversity of writing positions, and despite some gender-based distinctions highlighted by Arlene Griffen and Shiasta Shameem. It is concluded that identities are more difficult to negotiate when outside opinions or forces are powerful. This observation is discussed in relation to the movement of characters from innocence to experience, the affect of progress on communities and individuals, the representation of women in the texts, and the position of individuals who travel to or from Fiji or who are descendants of migrants.
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    An econometric analysis of the determinants of growth in the Kingdom of Tonga, 1970-1998 : a research thesis submitted in partial requirement for the degree of Master of Applied and International Economics at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1999) Faletau, Siosaia Tupou
    The importance of determining the factors that contribute to economic growth is vital in the case of Tonga because of the benefits and advantages it provides for the people and their future development. The main objective of this study is to analyse and investigate empirically the macroeconomic factors that promote economic growth and development in Tonga. Economic theories and various studies have presented the variables that may affect growth. These include investment (domestic and foreign), labour force, exports and imports, fiscal policies, tourism receipts, private remittances, foreign aid and its various components. Foreign resources such as aid and private remittances play an important role in the development of small island economies and Tonga's heavy reliance on these factors may also explain their contribution to growth. The study uses a neoclassical production function to examine the relationships between economic growth in Tonga and the proposed determinants listed above. The cointegration method of Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag is utilised in the analysis. The empirical evidence indicates that factors making a positive contribution to economic growth in Tonga are the growth in exports, tourism receipts, openness to trade, government consumption expenditure, bilateral aid, grant aid and imports. The loan aid, multilateral aid, technical co-operation grants and private remittances, while significant in most cases, show a decline over time. Natural disasters and external market shocks have a strong adverse effect on Tonga's growth rate. The issue of macroeconomic management is stressed in this study as the key role to be played by the government in order for the available resources to be allocated to the productive sectors of the economy. This can be undertaken through setting stable macroeconomic environment, introducing and maintaining growth-oriented policies and structural reforms in some of the key sectors of the economy. Research should be concentrated on high value niche products and promoting technological development to support the diversification in the export and tourism sectors. Measures should also be adopted to monitor the effectiveness of utilising foreign aid projects, as current aid flows show a decline.
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    The ecology of the kākerōri (Rarotonga flycatcher) Pomarea dimidiata, with special reference to fledged young : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Ecology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1993) Sanders, Kerry H.
    The Kakerori (Pomarea dimidiata) is a small flycatcher, endemic to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. In August 1991 the total world population was estimated at 47 individuals, an increase of 14 birds from the previous year. Kakerori live in the forest canopy of small valleys in the steep, mountainous interior. This study concentrated on the ecology of young birds and factors affecting the breeding success (the number of fledged young produced) of pairs. Young birds remain in the parental territory for up to four months after fledging, where they are commonly found high in the leafy canopy (mean = 25.7m n=36). After parental care has ceased, young birds move to the high, exposed ridges up to 100m from their natal territories (mean = 87m n=14), and remain on average, 2.4m (n=14) from the ground. Successful Kakerori territories (those that have produced fledged young) have a relatively lowered canopy (10.3m) and few ferns (28.3%), with many juvenile trees (38.3%) and shrubs (33.4%) making up the shrub layer. These juvenile trees may ensure a continued closed canopy. Successful territories also have few, large trees (mean total basal area = 7.39m2) and a higher level of moss (16.5%) which may encourage larger populations of insects as well as providing possible nest sites for Kakerori. Unsuccessful territories (those that produced no fledged young) have many, immature trees (mean total basal area = 3.21 m2) and little moss (8.1%). In general, insect numbers varied little between successful and unsuccessful territories, however during February 1991 successful territories had a large percentage of flies (40.4% n=23) compared to unsuccessful (8.3% n=2). During February when adults are feeding newly fledged young, a greater availability of insects may positively affect breeding success. Poison baits for rats have been laid in the study area since 1988 and the number of fledged young found has increased from one in 1987/1988 to 14 in 1990/1991. The most effective method of conserving the Kakerori may be to continue indefinitely the rat-baiting campaign throughout the study area and neighbouring valleys. This would depend entirely on the availability of funds and committed personnel.
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    Comparative study in the net barter terms of trade and income terms of trade of the Pacific Island economies : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Economics at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1995) Soakai, Robert Matafonua Fotu
    It is suggested by the so-called P-S thesis that countries whose exports based upon traditional primary products will continue to face deterioration in their terms of trade. It is upon such a proclamation, that challenge the author to launched an investigation to the validity of such a claim and its applicability to the case of Solomon Islands, Tonga and Western Samoa. The early researcher in this area shows that countries whose exports dominate by exporting traditional primary commodities tend to have more instability in its terms of trade than those who are exporting manufactured goods. However one of the most staggering finding of this research is. The terms trade of the three island economies seem to be deteriorate, at same time their purchasing power seems to be on the positive side. What it means that, despite the deterioration in the country's terms of trade their incomes seem not deter at all by such a movement. This is sound controversial to the P-S thesis but there was other trade incentive that came in to play when these countries' terms of trade deteriorate. However, perhaps it is enough to mention here that such deterioration in the terms of trade might mean so little when one take into account major factors that hammered these small island's economies. Factors like, drought, hurricane, poor quarantine service, has fueled the problem of deterioration of the terms of trade. Empirical test was carried out to examine the impact of the Net Barter terms of trade movement on the income (Gross Domestic Products). Result revealed was un-intrigue. Conclusion was drawn and there is a strong need for change in the export haves of the three island economies. Policies need to change to encourage regional trading. A change to the trade agreement (e.g., SPARTECA) that govern the trade activities of the island nations, is necessary. Such a change will help the island nations to compete with its trading partners effectively and competatively.
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    A study on the functional properties of taro starches from Tonga : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology in Food Technology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1993) Havea, Palatasa
    This study compared the functional properties of three taro starches extracted from selected cultivars, one from each of the three most commonly grown taro genera in Tonga. The selected cultivars were Alocasia macrorrhiza var 'Fohenga', Colocasia esculenta var 'Lau'ila', and Xanthosoma saggitifolium var 'Mahele'uli'. Cassava starch, a commercial product from Thailand, was studied together with the taro starches for comparison purposes. Freshly harvested taro corms/cormels were peeled, washed, ground into pulp. The taro pulp was washed with excess water and filtered with a cheese cloth. The solid pulp was discarded, and the water-starch mixture (starch milk) was collected in a settling tank. The starch was held for 10-24 hours to allow the starch to settle, and then the supernatant liquid was discarded. The Xanthosoma starch was successfully isolated using this method. For the Alocasia and Colocasia, the starch could not be isolated from the starch milk due to the presence of a mucilaginous material, and it was separated using a bowl centrifuge. The starches were dried, in a hot-air drier and then purified to remove trace of protein, fat, and fibre. All the taro starch granules were similarly polygonal in shape but the granule sizes were different. The Xanthosoma starch granule size (5-30μm) was similar to that of cassava starch granules (5-35μm). The granule sizes of Alocasia (0.5-3μm) and Colocasia (0.5-6μm) were very small, smaller than rice starch granules. The amylose contents, determined using an iodometric blue value colorimetry method, were 12.1, 13.6, 19.8, and 27.4% for Alocasia, Colocasia, cassava, and Xanthosoma starches respectively. The gelatinization temperatures for the starches were determined using sensory evaluation, hot stage microscopy, Brabender Amylograph, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) methods. The gelatinization temperatures were approximately 69, 70, 75 and 80°C for cassava, Alocasia, Xanthosoma and Colocasia starches respectively. The gelatinization temperature ranges for Xanthosoma and Colocasia were similar to that of cassava starch, but Alocasia starch showed relatively wider temperature range. The viscosity of the Xanthosoma gelatinized starch paste was much higher than the other starches but showed greater breakdown on heating. The strengths of the starch gels were determined by measuring the rheological modulus G* of the gels using a Bohlin Rheometer, and the penetration strength test using an Instron. Both tests showed that the Xanthosoma starch produced a much stronger and higher viscosity gel than all of the cassava, Alocasia and Colocasia starches which produced gels with similar strength. The relative order of gel clarity from qualitative sensory evaluation, from highest to poorest clarity, was cassava, Xanthosoma, Colocasia, then Alocasia. The storage stability of the starch gels was evaluated by studying the crystallisation using DSC, and measuring the syneresis occurring during storage at 5 and 22°C. The Xanthosoma starch gel was extremely susceptible to crystallisation and syneresis during storage, compared with cassava, Colocasia, and Alocasia gels which had similar stabilities on storage. The freeze-thaw stability of the starch gels was studied by subjecting the starch gels to repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The Xanthosoma starch gel was extremely unstable with freeze-thaw treatment. The Alocasia and Colocasia starch gels were similar to cassava starch gel which was more stable with freeze-thaw treatment. The Xanthosoma starch, because of extremely high viscosity and gel strength, could be used in food products that need high viscous texture but require no further storage. The Colocasia and Alocasia starches, because of high digestibility due to very small granule sizes can be used in baby food formulations, which are either heat treated or frozen.
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    An analysis of the environmental planning framework for coastal developments in Fiji's coral coast tourist region : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of a degree in Masters of Philosophy in Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1995) Tuvuki, Suliasi Wavu
    This thesis examines Fiji's environmental planning framework with particular reference to tourism development along the coast. This focus is an acknowledgement of the coastal ecosystems upon which the tourism industry depends. However, despite this emphasis, the findings in this thesis could be relevant to all types of development in Fiji. Firstly, the shortcomings of the present planning framework are identified, with particular attention being paid to the sectoral nature of the existing institutional and legal arrangements. The important role of EIA is also discussed and is applied to the situation in Fiji's. Particular attention is placed upon the way the present system does not sufficiently recognise the important role the indigenous Fijian plays in the development planning process. This seems unjust since the indigenous rural dweller is the most affected by tourism developments along the coast and so the case study area, Korolevu, was chosen to provide a typical example of how such large scale, unsustainable, coastal developments have in the past, because of flaws in the present system, were often established with little appreciation for the traditions, protocols and more sustainable environmental management practices of the traditional local people. Now that the international community is beginning to recognise the importance of providing sustainable development which preserves the environment in the fullest sense, including the cultural environment into which development is placed, the Government of Fiji is starting to recognise the importance of applying such strategies as Caring for the Earth (IUCN/UNEP/WWF 1991) and Agenda 21 (Sitarz 1993) to the situation in Fiji. The findings of this thesis result in various reforms which have the achievement of sustainable development practices in the Fijian cultural context as the underlying focus. These reforms emphasise the need to recognise and implement indigenous rights into the environmental planning framework at policy, institutional and legal levels. The incorporation of the indigenous Fijian's interests in this framework is an essential component to providing sustainable practices in Fiji. This inclusion can only be achieved by providing meaningful public participation opportunities for such communities. Ultimately, the IUCN/UNEP/WWF (1991) and Sitarz (1993) documents and, in addition, New Zealand's Resource Management Act (1992) collectively provide a useful model out of which the Fiji Government could develop its own environmental management regime which promotes sustainable development through the identification, avoidance, mitigation and remedying of the many environmental problems encountered in Fiji's coastal environment.
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    Ownership and employment in the tourist industry in Rarotonga : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1993) Bailey, Steven C
    The small island states of the Pacific are faced with enormous development problems. Their small size, lack of resources and isolation give them few options to provide the high standard of living that their citizens increasingly demand. Many small island states have embraced tourism as a potential panacea for the development impasse. It appears to offer an ideal way for a country with few resources to generate jobs and foreign exchange. Yet the optimistic expectations are rarely realized. Developing nations have found the benefits of their tourist industries accruing largely to metropolitan countries. The very nature of the global tourist industry seems to require foreign ownership and management of the industry, resulting in repatriation of profits and leakages of foreign exchange. There are ways that a developing country can avoid this fate. The key is good management and planning, and to be prepared to eschew mass tourism in favour of an industry built around smaller, locally owned facilities. A small scale industry reduces the need for foreign investment, and foreign employment. While in absolute terms it may not generate as many tourist dollars as mass tourism, it allows the industry to be more integrated into the local economy and society. Increased linkages with the rest of the economy reduce the need for imports and reduce leakages of foreign exchange. The Rarotongan tourist industry is substantially owned and run by foreigners. Good management and planning by the Cook Islands Government can rectify this situation. Increased local management requires better education and training for local people. It requires that Government and tourism operations improve the image of the industry as an employer. Greater attention must be given to the collection of labour market data, to enforcing policies on localization and to encouraging Cook Islanders to return to their country. To increase Cook Islands' ownership of the industry government must make finance, advice, and well constructed and publicised incentives available to local entrepreneurs. Development strategies should encourage provision of a range of tourist facilities, including opportunities for development of budget accommodation, so that local entrepreneurs can invest in the industry.
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    An empirical study of beliefs about work in Tonga : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Human Resource Management at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1997) Lopeti, Mele 'Anitoni Lauteau Lucy
    The aim of this research study was to identify the predominant beliefs that employed Tongan people hold about work, and to investigate the relationship between beliefs about work and selected demographic variables. The first step was to determine whether the instrument used to measure beliefs about work in the Tongan cultural context is a valid and appropriate measure. The sample consisted of 804 employed Tongans from Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai, 'Eua and Niuatoputapu islands. The sample was limited to Tongans employed mainly by government sector organisations that have an identifiable personnel function within paid employment in the formal economy of Tonga. Buchholz's Beliefs About Work Scale was used as the measure of employee attitude in the present study, using the same scales that have been developed in previous studies. This study attempted to replicate the five dimensions of the Beliefs About Work Scale and extend findings concerning beliefs about work in the Tongan context. It was concluded that the measurement of beliefs using the five dimensions from the Belief About Work Scale was not a valid and appropriate measure in Tonga. The results of the analysis revealed three factors of beliefs about work in Tonga. This suggests the need to sort out appropriate definitions and measurement in favour of research on indigenous samples, rather than simply applying results from countries of different cultural settings. Of the three factors of beliefs about work in Tonga, the highest mean scores were obtained on the humanistic belief system, then the work ethic, and the lowest mean scores were obtained on the leisure ethic. The analysis of variance of the factor scores revealed differences in beliefs exist in relation to gender, age and job level. Marital status and length of employment did not appear to be related to beliefs about work. These are discussed in this research study.
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    The valuation of subsistence use of tropical rainforest on the island of Choiseul, Solomon Islands : a comparison between subsistence values and logging royalties : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies, Massey University
    (Massey University, 1992) Cassells, Ross Macdonald
    This thesis values village subsistence use of tropical rainforest and examines the socio-economic impact of rainforest logging on the island of Choiseul in the Solomon Islands. The destruction of tropical rainforest has become a matter of major international concern. Despite strong opposition to it, tropical rainforest clearance continues at an alarming rate. Economically one of the reasons for this continued destruction is that the immediate financial benefits to be gained from the exploitation of the forest often appear to far outweigh the perhaps greater long term benefits to be gained by a lesser, but more sustainable, form of use. Considerable environmental and social costs are often incurred through forest destruction but these are not always borne by those who have profited from the destruction. Very little research has been undertaken in the Pacific to quantify the impact of tropical rainforest logging on rural village communities. In an attempt to redress this, some four and a half months were spent in the Solomon Islands during 1991 researching and then valuing the subsistence use of tropical rainforest. The field work was undertaken in the villages of Nukiki and Kuku on the island of Choiseul. The villagers were heavily reliant on the subsistence use of the rainforest for their livelihood. Values calculated for these uses were quite substantial at $10,512.15 per annum for the average sized (seven member) household. Using information from Nukiki and applying it to the village of Kuku, where a logging operation had trespassed on village land, it was clear that the villagers had been severely disadvantaged when their land was logged. For example, one area of 41 hectares near Kuku village, was calculated to have yielded 2,018 cubic metres in merchantable logs. The villagers were to be paid $9.00 per cubic metre which would give them a once-only royalty payment of $18,162.18. Subsistence losses from the same area were reported to be four garden sites, six nari and sulu nut trees, 21 betel nut trees, 346 sago palms and approximately 25 percent of the villagers' other useful trees such as those used for housebuilding, canoe making, medicine and food. This loss in subsistence production would be sustained over many years and was calculated to have a present value of $176,613.13. The net loss suffered by the village as a whole was therefore $158,450.95, or a substantial $7,545.28 for each of the 21 households.