Suchergebnisse

Conference: The VIII Pacific Science Intercongress has been scheduled to take place from 13-19 July 1997 in Suva, Fiji.

The alternative vote (AV) is an electoral system that tends to produce centripetal effects. It therefore has some potential to foster interethnic compromise and coalition in severely divided societies. Fraenkel and Grofman's attempt to show that AV will not "necessarily" and "uniformly" produce moderate results refutes a proposition that has not been advanced and does so on the basis of assumptions contrary to those specified by proponents of AV's generally moderating propensities. Fraenkel and Grofman's examination of two elections under AV in Fiji is based on perverse interpretations of the data and embodies a serious underestimate of the extent to which strategic behavior can support interethnic moderation.

Discusses how political reforms have established greater representation, particularly in the Prime Minister's cabinet.

AbstractThe sugar industry has shaped the development of Fiji's economy for over a century; but, for the past 15 years, sugarcane production has been declining. A study was undertaken of over 300 sugarcane farmers in Fiji to determine the benefits of crop diversification and to compare the level of profitability for farmers fully dedicated to sugarcane farming and sugarcane farmers who have diversified. The findings demonstrate that a farmer in the latter group was able to achieve 45% higher profitability than one in the former. Fiji has the potential to increase farm output from diversification, but the relevant stakeholders need to help farmers secure markets and provide appropriate guidance and training.