Strategies for Melanesian agriculture for 2010 : tough choices

Abstract

A majority of the people in Melanesian countries depend on agriculture for at least a part of their livelihood. In the long-term development of these economies, agriculture will decline in relative importance. Notwithstanding this, by 2010 agriculture must provide the fundamental driving force for long-run economic transformation. 'Although employment will need to be expanded in all major productive sectors in Melanesian economies. only agriculture has the potential for increases in employment on the scale required. and within the cost constraints prevailing in these capital scarce countries.' 'if Melanesian governments are serious about providing rural employment opportunities. support for the smallholder agricultural sector has to be a vital plank of their employment strategies.'