Politics of Land Disputes in Western Samoa1

Contested Terrain: Reconceptualising Security in the Pacific

“…In Samoa, conflict tends to be confined to villages, where social fractures caused by disputes over land and titles are pervasive and are among the major causes of tension and instability (Tiffany, 1980). Although Samoa does not have a military, unlike Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu (which has a paramilitary force) and PNG, it does have a well-equipped riot police unit armed with semi-automatic high-powered rifles, which is deployed when there is a serious security situation.…”

Customary Land Disputes, Courts, and African Models in the Solomon Islands1

“…Ogan's (1971:92) discussion of a land case among the Nasioi of Bougainville points out the contingent nature of land rights; however, he adds that 'socio-economic change leads Pacific Islanders to put forth a single aspect of complex institutions as "the custom".' 24 I discuss these issues involving customary land disputes in Western Samoa elsewhere (S. Tiffany 1980). 25 Malaita District Customary Land Appeal Court MD/ LAC/15, 1977.…”

Hard times in Apia? Urban landlessness and the church in Samoa

“…Social change in PICs has been discussed in various contexts that include linkages to climate change (Barnett & Campbell, ), religious change (MacPherson & MacPherson 2009; 2011; Thornton et al ., ) and urban poverty (Chand & Yala, ; Thornton, ; Jones, 2012a; 2012b; Prasad & Mohanty, ). In the context of Samoa, a small island developing state in the South Pacific, social relationships and traditional obligation have been explored as factors influencing land redistribution and revocation of land rights due to dissension among rural village members (Tiffany, 1975; 1980; Tiffany & Tiffany, ). Ward (1959; 2005) was concerned about change in human settlement patterns as indicative of wider social change in Samoa.…”

“…In Samoa, where the matai (chiefs) hold significant influence over decisions regarding rural village‐church membership, households opting to change denominations may face alienation from the aiga and, in some instances, may risk expulsion from the rural village (Tiffany, 1975; 1980; Macpherson & Macpherson, ). This alienation can result in the loss of kinship benefits that include access to traditional lands, which can have serious implications for household food security.…”