Trend of production and export of commercial crops of Vanuatu: 1991-2012

Agriculture is the mainstay of the rural population of Vanuatu. Obviously, improvements in crop production and exports will enhance standard of living of rural people and help support economic development. In Vanuatu beef, copra, cocoa and kava account for the bulk of export earnings. This study analysed trends in area, production and export of coconut, cocoa and kava crops during the 1991-2012 period. The study revealed that area under cocoa and kava crops has been declining during the study period, while the area under coconut crop was stagnant. The production of cocoa and kava showed negative trends. Copra production also showed a declining trend during the study period. Consequently, exports of cocoa and coconut products were declining during the reference period. However, exports of kava showed increasing trend but it also in the later part of the study period started declining. Evidently there is a positive relation between quantity of crop produced and exported. Vanuatu’s climate and land are conducive to produce these export-oriented crops, but detailed investigations are required to understand the problems and constraints faced by farmers in crop production, processing and export. In reversing the downward trend of agriculture export sector in Vanuatu, the integration of production and marketing will prove to be a crucial element of the agricultural development strategy

Strengthening governance of agriculture to enhance competitiveness of farmers in Pacific Islands countries

Effectiveness of governance and its regulatory quality matter for agricultural development in Pacific islands countries. Agriculture in these countries is important but is poorly developed and suffers due to weak agricultural institutions and governance issues. A stronger performing agriculture is crucial but its development depends on the enabling environment. There is need to facilitate the farmers by enhancing their competitiveness and bargaining power. Needed actions for strengthening the governance in PICs are: investment in rural and market infrastructures and services, ensuring quality of farm enterprises, strengthening the extension capabilities and promotion of regional brand for niche products

Himachal Pradesh: Transformation eines indischen Himalayastaates

Seit Indiens Erfolgen in der Informationstechnologie (IT) ist das Bild des Landes im Ausland nicht mehr allein von Erwartungen märchenhafter Exotik und endloser Entwicklungsprobleme bestimmt. Es gibt weitere Erfolgsgeschichten, z.B. eine gesamtwirtschaftliche Wachstumsrate, die sich mit über 7 v.H. jährlich gegenüber der langjährigen "Hindu-Rate" von 3,5 v.H. verdoppelt hat. Dies ist nicht zuletzt den Erfolgen der Landwirtschaft zuzuschreiben, die sich einer langen, kaum unterbrochenen Periode günstiger Witterung erfreute. Indien hat große Nahrungsreserven angelegt und ist besser auf Missernten vorbereitet als Mitte der sechziger Jahre. Bei den Exporten von Waren (Textilien, Schmuck) und Dienstleistungen (Software und Tourismus) hat Indien kräftig zulegen können; Agrarprodukte spielen schon lange keine herausragende Rolle mehr. Indien hat sich zu einem wichtigen Reiseland entwickelt, und immer mehr Besucher, gerade aus Deutschland, haben sich von der Vielfalt des Landes überzeugen können

Quantifying role of seaweed (Caulerpa racemosa) harvesting in livelihood system of some coastal communities in Fiji

The relative combinations of various work activities in the rural livelihood systems are not well understood. This study investigates roles of various work activities in the household income and employment in coastal areas of Fiji. Data were obtained by personal interview method from a random sample survey 48 households from four coastal villages in Fiji. Study revealed that workers in the coastal areas have work opportunities for only 20 h per week against a 40 h work norm. About 76% of their total work time was devoted to sea-based resources (58% for seaweed harvesting and 18% for fishing). Coconut collection and handicraft activities accounted for 17 and 7 percent of their work time, respectively. Overall, average weekly income of workers was about FJ$110.The share of income from seaweeds was about 50% and the shares of income from fishing, coconut activities and handicrafts were 21.9, 20.5 and 8 percent, respectively. Hence, it is clear that although seaweed harvesting activity in the overall economy of Fiji is still at the subsistence level, but this activity plays a very critical and substantial role in the food and nutrition security of the coastal communities