Enhancing the agricultural sector in Pacific island economies

Pacific Economic Bulletin Volume 22 Number 3 October 2007 © Asia Pacific Press Agriculture continues to play an important role in the growth and development of most Pacific island countries. With increasing populations and desire for higher incomes, the island countries will have to increase agricultural production, especially the Micronesian and Melanesian countries. In most countries, increases in agricultural production can be gained by increases in land area under agriculture, or by increasing efficiency and productivity. In this paper, we examine how selected Pacific island countries have measured up with respect to raising efficiency. Results reveal that efficiency levels in the four countries have not changed over the past four decades. Mahendra Reddy is Associate Professor of Economics, University of the South Pacific Enhancing the agricultural sector in Pacific island economies