Agriculture and the Economies of Pacific Islands : Trends, Issues and Challenges

This paper will provide an overview of the role played by the agriculture sector in the growth and development of Pacific Island economies. It will examine the key agricultural areas which could provide sources of growth for the Pacific Island economies. While examining these sources of growth, the challenges these islands countries will face with respect to harnessing these sources of growth will also be examined. The eminent threat of globalization and the rapidly changing global economy is also placing lot of pressure on these island nations to respond with changes in domestic policies. Results from the research reveal that PICs have a very narrow resource base and thus could be vulnerable to external shocks. There are a number of problems that are faced by the PICs which are similar in nature and could have major impact on the performance of PICs agriculture sector. These problems are highlighted and policy measures are suggested to turn these challenges into opportunities