An Analysis of Development Practice and Comprehension of Food Security Issues in the Pacific

The Pacific is near synonymous with food insecurity, stemming from disconnection from global trade, low levels of domestic production and high food costs. New Zealand development agencies have been involved in countless food security projects during the development era, achieving mixed results with respect to improving availability, access, utilisation and stability of food supply. This study aims to assess the comprehension and beliefs of New Zealand-based development practitioners as they work within the wider realm of food security, analysing how their professional practice impacts the outcomes for participants. My research aims to positively contribute to an area in development study and practice that is lacking in New Zealand – comprehension of practical use of academic concepts, especially related to food security.

This research uses semi-structured interviews with seven development practitioners working for three separate organisations which are managing food security programmes from New Zealand in the Pacific. One of those organisations, Anglican Missions, has offered their project, the Volcano Emergency Response Project (VERP), as a case study, with three interviewees representing Anglican Missions aiming to ameliorate food insecurity in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

The results of this study show that the interviewees have a strong comprehension of the issues that surround food insecurity in the Pacific. While this comprehension is highly contextual for the projects that the practitioners are individually responsible for, the respondents showed an understanding of the issues surrounding engagement with the four pillars of food security. The challenges for food security projects include sufficient land access when using community gardens in urban environments, balancing the opportunities and misgivings that comes with commercialisation, and integrating and delivering traditional knowledge within educational programmes. Additionally, the interviewees provided insight into the power differential between New Zealand-based practitioners and local partners, giving premonitions for the future of how management from New Zealand may be performed in the Pacific. The thesis concludes with reflections on the relevant literature and recommendations for next steps for academics and practitioners alike.

This thesis aims to provide a snapshot of how food security-oriented development practice is carried out by NGOs in New Zealand, and promote better techniques for those NGOs to follow to improve their outcomes. Ultimately, this aims to close the gap between academic ideals and practical realities when working within the food security sphere and promote better outcomes for food security projects.