Objectives, subsistence and farm development: the case of Tonga

Abstract

Smallholder production is the main mode of agricultural production in Tonga. This report assesses the current practices with consideration to the farmers' attitudes, their traditional social institutions, cultural values and the effect this has on production. An independent village survey was used as the main source of primary data for this study.

Analysis of agricultural performance and critiques of Tongan government policies toward agriculture not only identified the constraints on agricultural production but also indicated farmers' likely responses to policy changes. The modelled effects of different policy measures confirms that market development instruments, improved technologies and increasing farmer motivation can have a substantial and positive impact on farm revenue and commercial development. Based on the findings from this study, given appropriate types of improved technology, supportive agricultural policies (research and extension, market, land tenure, education, etc), and appropriate incentives, smallholder farmers can simultaneously pursue the goals of increasing national agricultural production and securing increased rural welfare.