The resumption of palm-oil production on Guadalcanal's northern plains

Abstract

Palm-oil operations on the island of Guadalcanal are situated in an area that was a hot spot during the 'tension' years of 1998-2003. An analysis of the industry therefore provides an important case study of post-conflict development, and of how local animosities are tempered, or exacerbated, by new cash-earning opportunities. This paper examines the difference between the arrangements entered into by the Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Ltd (GPPOL) and its 1973-99 predecessor, Solomon Islands Plantations Ltd. It also looks at the impact on the industry of the 1998-99 Isatabu uprising, and the 2004 deal struck between local landowners and GPPOL, at the out-grower scheme, at land tenure arrangements, and at the trust funds established upon recommencement of operations. We analyse the oil-palm operations in the broader context of the socio-economic setting on the northern plains, with particular refeence to the way local villagers balance their time between participation in palm oil production and the supply of food to the Honiara market.