Making a Living in Vanuatu: Livelihoods and Development in Peri- Urban Port Vila

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Making a Living in Vanuatu: Livelihoods and Development in Peri- Urban Port Vila Making a living in Vanuatu: Livelihoods and development in peri- urban Port Vila (Source: Author’s Fieldwork, 2012) Emily Leslie A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the degree of Master of Planning at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. st 1 November 2012 Abstract In the Pacific Island country of Vanuatu, the majority of the population is involved in subsistence agriculture. However, through the processes of globalisation and urbanisation, people are increasingly moving to the capital city, and economic hub, of the country, Port Vila, to participate in education and the exchange of goods. This migration has led to the growth of peri-urban settlements, the expansion of existing villages, and a change from traditional lifestyles. Communities, who live in the peripheral areas of Port Vila, are often disadvantaged because they have limited infrastructure and social support from local authorities. Such people need to develop supportive livelihood strategies by diversifying the ways they earn a living. This study examines the livelihoods of people living in peri-urban Port Vila by identifying the main influences on peri-urban businesses. The field-based research conducted during June 2012, collected primary data from semi-structured interviews with family business owners, chiefs, local NGOs and key decision-makers. The results reveal that there are different opportunities for peri-urban village businesses and peri-urban informal settlements. People living within peri-urban villages have the opportunity to enter the tourism sector. The peri-urban informal settlements lack this opportunity, however, there are other prospects within the informal sector. NGOs, local authorities and community play important roles in supporting these businesses. This research is of importance to New Zealand, which is one of the leading aid donors to Vanuatu, and reveals the significance of understanding livelihood strategies in Pacific Island nations. Further, it is of value to Vanuatu’s local and central governments, as public perceptions and the understanding of local businesses initiatives and peri-urban areas are needed for policy development. ii Acknowledgements I have many people to thank for supporting me in the completion of this thesis: To my supervisors, Professor Tony Binns for your positivity, expertise, patience and encouragement, and to Dr. Simon Springer for your guidance and support. To the Vanuatu component of this research, especially to Jeffry Kaitip and the Physical Planning Unit for your support of this research. To all the key informants, thank you for giving up your time and sharing your thoughts, perspectives and visions with me. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to carry out research in such a beautiful, welcoming country, and am thankful to have met such charming people. Tankyu tumas long everi samting we yufala I save helpem me mo sapotem me long hem long saed blong research blong mi taem we mi stap long Vanuatu. To Volunteer Services Abroad (VSA), for the opportunity to live and work in Vanuatu, and for all your support during 2010. Please continue to do such fantastic work. To the University of Otago Department of Geography and the Master of Planning Programme. Thank you for providing me with a tertiary education that has encouraged my excitement for life, and for learning. To my friends and flatmates, from this year, and from the past six years. You have provided me with countless laughs and adventures over my time in Dunedin, and I am thankful for the memories and friendships we share together. And finally, to my family, for your continual support, guidance and encouragement. I could not have done it without you iii Table of Contents Abstract .................................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................... iii List of Tables .................................................................................................................... viii List of Photos ....................................................................................................................... ix List of Maps ........................................................................................................................... x List of Figures ....................................................................................................................... x List of Boxes .......................................................................................................................... x List of Acronyms ................................................................................................................. xi Bislama Glossary .............................................................................................................. xii 1 . Introduction................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Identification of the Research Problem .................................................................... 1 1.2 Purpose of the Study ........................................................................................................ 2 1.3 Research Objective and Research Questions .......................................................... 3 1.4 Statement of Approach ................................................................................................... 3 1.5 Thesis Structure ................................................................................................................ 3 2 . Context ........................................................................................................................... 5 2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 5 2.2 Geographical Context ...................................................................................................... 5 2.3 Historical Context ............................................................................................................. 7 2.3.1 A New Government and a New Constitution ............................................................... 8 2.4 Population Context ........................................................................................................... 9 2.4.1 Population Growth ................................................................................................................. 9 2.4.2 Peri-Urban Communities of Port Vila .......................................................................... 11 2.5 Economic Context ...........................................................................................................13 2.5.1 Foreign Aid and Development ........................................................................................ 15 iv 2.5.2 Tourism in Vanuatu ............................................................................................................ 16 2.5.3 New Zealand’s Tourism aid ............................................................................................. 18 2.6 Land Context .....................................................................................................................19 2.7 Chapter Summary ...........................................................................................................20 3 . Literature Review ................................................................................................... 21 3.1 Introduction .....................................................................................................................21 3.2 Small island developing states (SIDS) .....................................................................21 3.3 Urbanisation .....................................................................................................................23 3.4 ‘Peri-Urban’ .......................................................................................................................24 3.4.1 Informal Settlements .......................................................................................................... 25 3.5 Poverty ...............................................................................................................................26 3.6 Economic Development ................................................................................................28 3.7 Local Economic Development (LED) and Small Business Development ....29 3.7.1 Limitations of LED ............................................................................................................... 31 3.7.2 Evaluating LED ...................................................................................................................... 32 3.7.3 Elements of successful LED ............................................................................................. 33 3.8 Tourism in SIDS ...............................................................................................................35 3.8.1 ‘Pro-Poor tourism’ ............................................................................................................... 37 3.9 Government and governance .....................................................................................38 3.9.1 City Governance ...................................................................................................................
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