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2012 Pacific Research Networking Grant

Year:
2012
Duration:
3 months
Approved budget:
$5,000.00
Researchers:
Dr Malakai Ofanoa
Health issue:
Environmental health
Proposal type:
Pacific Health Networking Project
Lay summary
The research interest in developing a collaborative team is to investigate the health impacts of land-based initiatives on Pacific communities. We make this proposal with specific reference to a Tongan case study, the Kaha'u land development initiative in Mangere, the Matangi Kolo. This is a social enterprise and investment initiative with a 7 acre plot of land purchased by the church, and use for growing food, with plans for housing development in place. This demonstrates the possibilities of a holistic approach to addressing determinants of health through group agency generated by cultural belonging and autonomy. How these principles work out in this case and in other Pacific communities will be explored. The Networking Grant will be used to work with Tongan, Kiribati, Rarotongan and Tuvaluan communities and researcher to identify case studies relevant to these communities. Our interest is to develop a research proposal that combines themes of health, nutrition and physical exercise, land and livelihoods, economic engagement and the participation of youth.