Book

Taim bilong mani: the evolution of agriculture in a Solomon Island society

Australian National University (12) • Published In 1978 • Pages: xii, 271

By: Connell, John.

Abstract
This is primarily a study of the post-World War II economic development of Siwai society. Using archival data and his own ethnographic research, the author documents a period of trial and error as local Siwais attempted to establish cash crops, including rice, peanuts, copra, coffee and cocoa. Only cocoa was finally established sustainably. Various reasons are discussed for earlier failures, including poor infrastructure, fluctuating prices, competition from other areas of Papua New Guinea, damp climate, and traditional forms of social organization and land tenure. Siwais tended towards corporate forms of economic organization with moderate success, eventually giving way to a more individual entrepreneurial model. Cargo cults, trading stores, cattle ranching, and mission influence are also discussed.
Subjects
Acculturation and culture contact
Economic planning and development
Domesticated animals
Cereal agriculture
Vegetable production
Arboriculture
Special crops
Production and supply
Price and value
Retail marketing
Individual enterprise
Cooperative organization
Status, role, and prestige
Deliberative councils
External relations
Congregations
Missions
culture
Siwai
HRAF PubDate
2016
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Melanesia
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard; 2014
Field Date
1974-1976, 1981
Coverage Date
1850-1975
Coverage Place
south Bougainville, North Solomons Province, Papua New Guinea
Notes
[John Connell]
Includes bibliographical references (p. 265-271)
LCCN
79315281
LCSH
Agriculture--Papua New Guinea--Bougainville Island
Siuai (Papuan people)--Economic conditions