Land titling and socioeconomic development in the South Pacific

Examines the debate over the relative merits of customary and individual land tenure in Papua New Guinea and other island states of the South Pacific. Reviews the research carried out by Fingleton. Steers a way through the controversy, showing a way forward that combines the best of both stances with positive policy proposals for accelerating equitable human and economic development in the regions. Sketches some of the evidence for and against the rival Hughes and Fingleton contentions that individual land titling is either a precondition or irrelevant for successful socioeconomic development. Suggests what may be needed to give effect to the synthesis proposed. Source: National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, licensed by the Department of Internal Affairs for re-use under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 New Zealand Licence.