Future Plans for the Islands

On December 23 last year, a project was announced by DPM and Minister for Agriculture Hon Robert Wigmore last December 23rd to revitalize agriculture on Rarotonga and the outer islands of Atiu, Mangaia, Mitiaro and Mauke.
From the project document finalized in November last year, we learn that an FAO review of the country’s agriculture policy (2007) advised that `the makatea islands of the southern group faced a depopulation dilemma. With the severely reduced population on each of these islands they are over-run with wild pigs, a threat to basic food crops’ (Rongo, T. 2007). There is a saying in the islands that people are not leaving the islands because they are lazy, but rather because they are not happy with the way things are. And these things (like wandering animals) have been around for some time. Any effort and support from Government is urgent and needs to be persistent and long term.
Land availability
Between them, the Nga Pu Toru islands and Mangaia comprise over 50% of the land area of the Cook Islands, followed by Rarotonga and Aitutaki together with 35% of land area (km2).
Although Mangaia has the largest share of arable land they experience some of the most pressing issues that have come on board since the economic reforms of the mid nineties, when almost half of the islands population left for Rarotonga and overseas. Generally young people moved first and returned to move elderly members later. As a result the planting lands were left uncultivated and in many cases livestock left with relatives who also had their own to tend (especially pigs) were left untended by family members left behind. These animals eventually escaped and began fending for themselves in the vast inland areas. A sizeable population now breeds wildly in the makatea zones inland where it is very difficult to hunt and cull them. This phenomenon has always existed in Nga Pu Torsi prior to the transition period of the economic reform. Smaller planting plots encouraged fencing in crop and vegetables from wandering animals. However in recent times the impacts of the economic reforms and especially depopulation have encouraged livestock farmers who do not have the human resources to tend their animals, to leave their animals to wander and fend for themselves.
Land tenure
Apart from Mangaia and Mitiaro the land tenure systems in the remaining Nga Pu Tom islands are conducive to development. It is possible to lease land, and secure bank loans to assist income generating activties. On Mangaia, the land tenure system runs under a tribunal court that does not allow outside influence. Land can not be leased and family members wanting land for planting or building must channel their request through an arbitrator or head of the family who may or may not approve the request. Failing a request at this level, the family applicant can go to a kavana (district chief). If there is no agreement at this level then the request is placed before the 6 kavana of the island, who make the last decision which is final.
Land use on Mitiaro is facilitated through the customary land tenure system. Under this system, the land is owned by the clan (extended family); an individual’s right to the land is through his/her blood link to the clan (extended family). However, to occupy or use a particular piece of land, the individual must nevertheless, consult and seek the approval of the Ariki or Head of the clan. Land leases to individuals through the Cook Islands Land Court is not possible; a major disadvantage if an individual is seeking to use a Lease-hold property as security for financial loans. On the other hand, as land-use decisions are made by members of the clan living on the island, the Mitiaro land tenure system enables land-use changes that truly benefit those that live on the island.
However the issue is to be able to cultivate adequate land to support a sizeable vegetable growing base, or to graze a good herd of livestock for this venture.
Next week: we report on the latest developments in Mangaia.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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