Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book questions the people who are the participants in the development process, trusting their answers, valuing their priorities and recognising their efforts; the people who know what they want from development and are themselves working towards it. It focuses on unrecognised and successful endogenous development. The book examines development as a meeting of worlds, a clash of paradigms as conventional models of development clash with customary practices. It aims to recognise and think about development as a process of interaction and negotiation between two cultures: the Western development project subculture and, in this case study, a vibrant, active Pacific Island culture. The book investigates the validity and credibility of common Western perceptions and interpretations of Samoan cattle fanning and utilisation behaviours by examining the role and incorporation of cattle into Samoan cultural practices, society and livelihood systems.