Farmers' perceptions and economic change - the case of Kenyah farmers of the fourth division, Sarawak

Abstract

This thesis seeks to understand and explain change in economy of the Kenyah people of the Fourth Division of Sarawak, Malaysia, from a Kenyah point of view. Four main hypotheses are examined: first that the aim, direction and nature of change are shaped by 'inner' forces; second that social and cultural factors are no hindrance to change; third that change in Kenyah society as a whole is an aggregate of individually motivated change rather than the result of communal efforts; finally that the Kenyah consider their current economy as a logical system within the contemporary social and economic environment. Kenyah are able to initiate economic change by themselves. They engage actively in both subsistence and cash economies, making all use they can of the currently active timber industry. Swidden has undergone significant changes. Kenyah social and economic systems possess internal mechanisms which drive them to search for new opportunities. The roles of social rivalry and conflict are emphasized. Indifference to certain agents of change is not a sign of unresponsiveness; it reflects a desire to adopt changes that suit their objectives. Conflict with the State lies in terms of approaches and objectives to change. The thesis first views Kenyah, their environment, history and economy, at macroscale. Most data are, however, drawn from micro-scale research among sample longhouses and families. In conclusion policy implications of the research are indicated and the 'populist' approach to rural development is examined; some sources of reservation are outlined. Show more