Taim hangre: Variation in subsistence food supply in the Papua New Guinea highlands
This research seeks to understand the causes of variation in subsistence food supply in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, particularly the reasons for shortages of sweet potato, the staple food. Two main indices of subsistence food supply are used: firstly, survey data from food markets and secondly, statements made by villagers about food supply. Particular emphasis is given to long data runs on food availability. Food shortages have an impact on people's wellbeing. Prior to the colonial period, they resulted in an increased death rate. Body weights of both adults and children are influenced by variation in subsistence food supply. The impact of food shortages is likely to be muted when people have access to cash which they use to buy imported food when subsistence food is scarce. Evidence is brought forward which demonstrates that the frequency of food supply problems has not altered since colonial contact in the 1930s
Thesis, Dissertation, English, 1989