School of People Environment and Planning

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Start date: 2010Subject: search.filters.subject.Sustainable development

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    Localising indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals : a case study in Samoa on SDG indicator 4.3.1 (participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education) : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in International Development at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2020-06) Vaai Hatier, Leuaina Allison
    In July 2017, the global indicator framework comprising 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), 169 targets and 231 global indicators, was adopted by the UN General Assembly. This framework aims to assist countries in monitoring their progress towards the goals of the Agenda 2030, allowing for global comparisons and drawing analysis of thematic issues that are pertinent to the development discourse. Despite SDG being widely used, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing Countries (SIDS) in particular, have been struggling to fulfil the data needed for reporting SDG progress. Drawing on Samoa as a case study, this research seeks to outline how a country can localise SDG4 global indicator 4.3.1, to take into consideration the country challenges and limitations, as well as provide reliable measurements of its education sector development. This research’s findings suggest that, localising SDG indicator 4.3.1 in Samoa by aligning it with government agencies reporting requirements, could allow data collection from existing sources and therefore help reducing the pressure on the country’s limited institutional capacities. Localising SDG 4.3.1 could be done notably by adjusting the units of measurement of the indicator to comprise two age ranges: 15 – 24 years old and 25 years old and over; includes gender data in surveys and adjust government reporting to account for formal and non-formal education. In localising SDG indicator 4.3.1, it would allow Samoa to meet its national and regional SDG reporting needs. For such localisation to be successful however, it would require coordination between ministries and organisations and commitment of financial and human resources.
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    Values-based evaluative management : an integrated and adaptive approach to enhance inclusion, development effectiveness, governance, and sustainability : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2021) Averill, Catherine
    Sustainable development, an articulated goal of development practice in the 21st century (United Nations Development Programme, 2015a) now needs to be inclusive, based on multi-level systems of accountability, and have robust governance. This thesis proposes alternative evaluative management values and principles for inclusive sustainable development that are values-based, integrated, and adaptive. It suggests the way such values and high-level principles could underpin and reposition development, management, and evaluation approaches. An initial idea behind this research was that there needed to be a better way to connect strategic evaluative approaches within management and potentially the new sustainable development goals in international and national development. The impacts and significance of changes for both the broader development context and governance systems of country-level development, and the management and evaluation practices, were examined in the context of countries and donors in two Pacific settings: Papua New Guinea and Aotearoa/New Zealand. To achieve the sustainable development goals, current management theory and practices needs to be reconsidered. This research pointed to the emergence of evaluative management as an identifiable theoretical and instrumental discourse and knowledge frame repositioning and integrating existing management discourses underpinned by values and principles relating to strategic planning, performance management and governance. This thesis proposes that a new model of integrated management – called, in this context, evaluative management that is premised on three values (inclusion, partnership and participation) and three high-level principles (relationality, contextual sensitivity and adaptive response), is needed to underpin such considerations. The potential of evaluative management can only be realised if it is enacted through values and principles that are well communicated and widely understood. This may include effective interaction and communication between different levels of governments, agencies, sectors, regions and communities including non-governmental organisations, private sector, and development partners. This new model of integrated management would also provide the capacity to address inclusion, governance, accountability, and sustainable development with more effective strategic evaluative practices.
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    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.
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    The impact of the small and medium enterprise support programmes on the livelihoods of micro-entrepreneurs using sustainable livelihood framework : a case study of Enterprise Mongolia Project Phase 2 by United Nations Development Programme in Mongolia : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2016) Ganbold, Mongoljin
    The aim of this research is to explore the impact of Enterprise Mongolia Project EMP-2 project on the livelihoods of the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) using Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) in the context of Mongolia. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are used in order to carry out this research. The study started firstly with the review of existing literature followed by field research to explore in depth rural livelihoods and SMEs in Mongolia. The research is conducted in two phases. The first phase comprises examining the case study of Enterprise Mongolia Project 2 (EMP-2) and discusses the role of SME support programmes in poverty reduction. The second phase of the research method comprised of conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 entrepreneurs. The overall objective of the research is to identify the changes resulting from the project intervention (EMP-2) using sustainable livelihood approach and to find out the relationship between the livelihood assets and enterprise of SME owners. The researcher uses Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to explore the human, social, financial, and physical and natural resource based assets that enable the poor to enhance their capabilities and reduce their vulnerabilities. A qualitative study is conducted by consenting the SME owners who were beneficiaries of the EMP-2. Unstructured and in-depth interviews were conducted; interviews were taped, transcribed and thematically analyzed by using NVivo 10. Data has been collected from three major regions of Mongolia which are Selenge Aimag, Khenti Aimag and Uvurkhangai Aimag. Out of 20 respondents, 8 belong to Selenge Aimag, 6 belong to Khentii Aimag and 6 belong to Uvurkhangai Aimag respectively. Results are extracted from Nvivo 10, word frequencies, word trees, results previews and qualitative model is generated with the help of Nvivo 10. Results clearly demonstrate that the EMP-2 project provided support in terms of financial capital, human capital, physical capital, social capital and natural capital and this improves the livelihoods of the small and business entrepreneurs in Mongolia. Findings of the study also illustrates that EMP-2 project ease out the funding’s and loan processes, provide training to their workers and resolve the issues in regards to water shortage and energy shortage. The results of this study can be used by the NGO’s and other charity organizations to go in Mongolia and introduce projects like EMP to provide support to SME owners so that their livelihood can improve and poverty can be reduced or eliminated. Keyword: EMP, SMEs, Mongolia, Livelihoods, Sustainable Livelihood Framework
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    Sustainable development : a model Indonesian SRI co-operative : this research paper is presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development, Massey University, New Zealand
    (The Author, 2016) Sharp, Gawain
    This research report explores how ‘sustainable livelihoods’ have been achieved at a model cooperative using the ‘System of Rice Intensification’ named SIMPATIK. To conduct the research a novel template was developed. The framework was required following a review of sustainable livelihood literature which found deficiencies with the ‘sustainable livelihoods framework’, particularly its treatment of equity, social capital, culture and agro-ecology which disqualified the framework as an appropriate approach for the research. Amekawa’s (2011) ‘Integrated Sustainable Livelihoods Framework’ which synthesises agro-ecology and the sustainable livelihoods framework is then discussed. Further work is then presented on social capital which this paper argues has a critical role in facilitating access to livelihood capitals. A discussion of the significance of culture then follows to underline its importance as a form of livelihood capital. The research then introduces an operational model that is appropriate to the local cultural, institutional and geographical context to demonstrate how livelihood capitals are linked to livelihood outcomes, a model I have labelled the ‘Apt-Integrated Sustainable Livelihoods Framework’. This framework is then informed through field research at the SIMPATIK co-operative. Impact pathways through ‘synergetic forms of social capital’ and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) are shown indeed to lead to sustainable livelihood outcomes for research participants. The ‘sequencing’ of livelihood capitals is seen to be critical and the research culminates in the development of a ‘SRI Co-operative Template for Sustainable Livelihoods’; a transferable model that shows how SRI can be promoted as a sustainable livelihood strategy.
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    Apiianga no te oraanga akapuapinga e te taporoporo i te ipukarea : education as sustainable development : Mangaia, Cook Islands : a dissertation presented 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) Beumelburg, Paul David
    Sustainable development (SD) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) became prominent in the 1990s. Problematically, these western centric constructs have sometimes been used to justify greater economic growth despite concern about the environment. Simultaneously, greater awareness of the pivotal role culture plays in development has demanded the rethinking of SD in terms of culturally responsive and contextually relevant ‘alternatives to’ development. Using the case of Mangaia in the Cook Islands the aim of this research was to draw out Mangaians own visions for SD and their consequent expectations for the type of ESD delivered to students in the classroom. Situating the research within a hopeful post development framework a culturally responsive, open ended, critical research methodology was used to gain an understanding of what constitutes a Mangaian SD worldview. Using participatory semi structured interviews underpinned by Mangaian uriuri manako (reflective problem solving) preliminary frameworks for Mangaian SD and ESD were co- constructed. This thesis highlights that to Mangaian people SD is complex and multi modal consisting of an indigenous development centred on oraanga Mangaia and alternative modernities, embedded in culture, operating at the margins of the global economy. This Mangaian view of SD, interacting with externally driven development, is continually reinvented by the Mangaian people using both indigenous and western knowledge, in response to issues of sustainability. The study argues that current western centric ‘Education about’ and ‘Education for’ SD programmes do not reflect the cultural and contextual reality of SD in the Global South. Instead, Education as Sustainable Development (EasSD) is presented as a novel concept, which embraces learning taking place within culture and is able to respond to the context and dynamism of hopeful post-development settings: it is argued that this approach would provide students with the knowledge to be able to fashion community-based sustainable futures. An EasSD approach would expose students to a broader range of livelihoods options and have the ability to strengthen a student’s language, culture and identity while potentially improving their academic outcomes. A strength based implementation that draws on the support of all development and education stakeholders offers the best chance of actualising EasSD and so empowering students with the ability to participate in, and lead, their own communities’ SD.
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    The role of energy supply in the shaping of development prospects in small and isolated Pacific Island communities -- past, present and future : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Manawatu Campus, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Cole, Peter Sherwin
    The thesis examines the way that energy supply has influenced directly or indirectly the transformation of society in Niue and Tuvalu from the time before the arrival of palagi (Europeans) to the present day. Of particular interest is the vulnerability that this reliance creates in terms of the risk to people’s wellbeing. Most of New Zealand’s South Pacific neighbours have to import energy in the form of oil products. In the case of Niue and Tuvalu, over 90% of their energy is imported, largely paid for through aid from overseas donors. Like New Zealand, people in both countries rely on energy to maintain their livelihoods and lifestyles. There is near 100% electrification and vehicle ownership is high and government and commercial enterprises that provide services and employment rely on continuous and affordable energy, the supply of which is highly vulnerable to economic and political pressures beyond their control, a situation not expected to improve. The thesis addresses four questions: how and why this situation has come about, would these two communities be able to adapt to a much reduced or changed energy supply, what steps are being taken to reduce this dependency before a crisis occurs and whether these steps are likely to be effective. The research used the sustainable livelihoods approach to develop an integrated research methodology including field methods and a novel, systematic form of analysis. Field research methods involved interviews, conversations and observation. The results of the research are set out in narrative form that reviews changes to livelihoods in Niue and Tuvalu over time from the arrival of palagi to the present day. The narrative is followed by an original sustainable livelihoods analysis, the output of which is a series of livelihood profiles including livelihoods asset pentagons that illustrate changes in livelihood assets. A parallel series of “livelihood energy pentagons” were developed to demonstrate the influence of energy on livelihoods. The same method of analysis is used to analyse an “energy-deprived” future scenario, postulated in order to illustrate the impact on livelihoods in Niue and Tuvalu should the supply of oil-based fuels become severely constrained. The narrative and the analyses show that the role of energy has changed from having an essential role although limited in form, in supporting people’s traditional livelihoods to one that enables the full spectrum of services on which contemporary livelihoods rely in Niue and Tuvalu. The analysis of the energy-deprived scenarios underlines this reliance by demonstrating the serious and negative impact on contemporary society should imported fuel supplies be seriously disrupted. Current plans by the two governments to reduce reliance and imported fuel supplies are reviewed and this thesis concludes that while proposed measures go some way to mitigating the impact of a fuel supply disruption, the consequences of such a disruption will still be severe. A recommendation is made that both governments prepare strategic action plans that specifically address fuel supply disruption by emphasising a focus on endogenous rather than exogenous energy sources.
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    Permaculture : a vision and strategy for sustainable development? : a Malawian case study : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2012) Coughlan, Sally
    This thesis is a study of perceptions of sustainable development and whether permaculture contributes to sustainable development in Malawi. Underpinning this thesis are two key contentions: that there is insufficient exploration of the broader societal and cultural values orientating current sustainable development theory, practice and policy; and permaculture, as ethically informed social movement network that promotes a design system for sustainable interaction with the environment, is both a vision and strategy for sustainable development. A qualitative, ethnographic case study approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews, in-field observation and permaculture document analysis. Research revealed perceptions of sustainable development were very similar to perceptions of permaculture, suggesting that most people saw permaculture as significantly contributing to their understanding of sustainable development. A key finding was involvement in permaculture arose from a plurality of instrumental goals and identification with social movement values, which in turn influenced perceptions of sustainable development. Several factors emerged as influential in perceptions of both sustainable development and permaculture: culture, level of involvement in permaculture, degree of initiative activity and the role of leaders and committed individuals within an initiative. These findings are seen to have implications for future sustainable development policy and practice. The universality of sustainability issues within perceptions of both sustainable development and permaculture, and the establishment of independent projects and spontaneous adoption of instrumental aspects of permaculture in an area surrounding one research site suggest permaculture has potential to effect sustainable change in individuals and culture both within and outside of initiative parameters. Likewise, demonstrated embodiment of permaculture values in identity, action and lifestyle opens space for the inclusion of personal development and personal responsibility within the concept of sustainable development.
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    From resettlement to sustainable livelihood development : the potential of resettlement and livelihood restoration arrangement to achieve livelihood sutainability : a case study of resettled communities on the Nakai plateau Nam Theun 2 hydropower project in Lao PDR : 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) Phonepraseuth, Vilayvanh
    Over the past few decades, development-induced displacement and resettlement has potentially run the risk of impoverishing local populations, threatening people’s livelihoods and truncating their chances for sustainable development. To address the impact of displacement and resettlement on affected communities, a ‘resettlement with development’ approach has been increasingly adopted by numerous development agencies focusing on mitigation policy, plans and strategies. Particularly, the integration of a sustainable development concept into livelihood restoration initiatives has gained more attention in resettlement and development discourse. This thesis explores claims that the risks associated with resettlement can be avoided or mitigated by careful planning that includes livelihood development initiatives for the affected populations. Specifically, this thesis examines the potential of the existing resettlement and livelihoods restoration programs to address the livelihood sustainability of resettled communities associated with the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project in Lao PDR. The findings of this study indicate that the Nakai resettlement and livelihood restoration programs have the potential to strengthen local capacities. This is particularly through the increased access to various livelihood assets and resources. With resettlement, Nakai resettlers have experienced a significant improvement in physical capital such as shelter, road access and communication infrastructure. The improved access to physical capital following resettlement has further enhanced resettlers’ ability to gain access to human, social and financial capitals. The capacity to access these resources is seen to be vital for the reconstruction of the resettlers’ livelihoods, and can also be crucial for the achievement of long-term livelihood sustainability. The results of this study further suggest that the Nakai resettlement and livelihood restoration scheme has to date supported the resettlers on the Nakai Plateau in gaining a number of positive livelihood experiences. These extend beyond economic or monetary gains through increased income and access to employment, to also include other social and psychological benefits such as better health care and education, and an improved sense of security and self-esteem. All of these achievements were found to be fundamental for resettlers in realizing their own livelihood goals and objectives in the future. Finally, although the findings of this research identified some challenges experienced by resettlers such as the reduction of agricultural and grazing land area, none were perceived to be major threats that were preventing them from achieving their livelihood objectives. Instead, the experience with the Nam Theun 2 project has highlighted one of the key lessons learnt from previous resettlement programs that is worth highlighting for future resettlement program mitigation associated with development projects: to have the resettlers fully engaged in the entire process of livelihood strategy development.
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    Is sustainable development a faceless rhetoric? : an assessment of educational sustainability at the Porgera Mine, Papua New Guinea : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment for the requirement for the degree of Master of Philosophy (Development Studies) at Massey University, Palmerstone [i.e. Palmerston] North, New Zealand, March 2011
    (Massey University, 2011) Java, Bruce Loluave
    Mining development has no doubt contributed immensely to the local and national economies throughout the world and has transformed many developing countries to be developed. In Melanesia especially Papua New Guinea, a number of large scale world class mines occur in remote, isolated locations where the local communities are often vulnerable, poor, illiterate and do not have access to basic government services (for many years). When mining operations arrive in their locality, local people see and recognize mining as the only development opportunity and hope for improved livelihoods. However, the social and environmental impacts and disruptions of livelihoods from those large scale mines are often severe and can last a life time. Many local people do not realize these consequences in the first instance. In a bid to help maintain people’s livelihoods, the package of mine benefits for local communities typically includes sustainable development projects and programmes devised by companies. Most of these benefits are corporate gestures colorfully written up in company sponsored reports in contrast to the realities experienced in the communities. There is little literature written on the realties and impacts of mine benefits on the livelihoods of local people and their experiences from their perspectives. This research attempts to address these issues in the context of the education sector and explore experiences and perceptions of locals in view of post mining. This study looks at the education sector within the Porgera gold mine in Enga Province in PNG. The focus is on landowner communities and stakeholders’ attitudes and commitments towards enhancing the education sector from a sustainable development perspective for the local people. Qualitative research methods were used for this study, mainly semi-structured interviews and obtaining information from the key stakeholders involved within the Porgera community education system. The findings from this study indicate that, although substantial benefits and resources appear to be available, the education sector has not been given adequate support in a systematic and coordinated manner which has led to the future of the education sector being uncertain and unsustainable in light of preparations towards mine closure.