Pacific short stories on Traditional Agriculture to the Sustainable Development in the Pacific

Abstract

The Pacific Islands face growing challenges related to food security, climate change, and modernization, threatening traditional agricultural knowledge and practices. While scientific and technological solutions are crucial, the role of literature - particularly short stories - in preserving and transmitting indigenous knowledge remains largely unexplored. This research examines how Pacific short stories depict traditional food crops, farming techniques, and the cultural significance of agriculture, providing valuable insights into sustainability and resilience within island societies. Drawing on narratives from both Anglophone and Francophone Pacific authors such as Wendt, A. (1976), Hau‘ofa, E. (1993), Kurtovitch, N. (2000), Gorodé, D. (2005), and Kurtovitch, N. (2011), Tavo, P. (2015), this study highlights how literature preserves oral traditions, documents indigenous farming practices, and reflects the evolving relationship between Pacific communities and their environment. These stories emphasize the importance of food sovereignty, seasonal cycles, and the spiritual and communal dimensions of agriculture. They also reveal tensions between modernization and the preservation of traditional agricultural systems, Nabobo-Baba, U. (2006) and Campbell, J.R. (2015). Through a literary and ethnographic analysis, this study argues that storytelling serves not only as a means of cultural preservation but also as a potential tool for education and policymaking. Integrating literary narratives into discussions on sustainable agricultural development helps bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and technological innovations, ensuring a more holistic approach to food security in the Pacific. This study aligns with the PIURN 2025 theme by emphasizing how cultural narratives can complement and enrich technological advancements for sustainable development tailored to the realities of the Pacific Islands.