Subsistence Production in Papua New Guinea. Abundance or Shortage? A Critical Assessment of the Controversy around "Subsistence Affluence"

Abstract

Until today more than 70% of the people of Papua New Guinea are living in rural areas. Their involvement in any kind of production for the market is quite small, only incidental to subsistence production. The fact that this kind of production has supplied the basic necessities of life (in virtually self-sufficient manner) has initiated scientific discussion on the relevance of "subsistence affluence". This article discusses the contributions to this debate since 1966 and concludes that it is quite impossible to make generalizations considering the complexity of the different social and production systems existing in the country. A heavy emphasis remains on cultural activities which are also part of production. On the other hand despite the sufficient food situation the standard of nutrition is too low. Facing the nutrition difficulties in developing countries the subsistence sector needs higher priority in the agenda of international agencies away from cash-crop production.