ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that a new theory of development which can more accurately account for and predict development as a process of cultural interaction and negotiation can be formed. It suggests that the motives for endogenous development are rooted in five psychological needs which become apparent when two cultures meet and clash. Fa’alavelave were used to test a key issue: whether traditional customs are constraints to development. In this case fa’alavelave were not found to be a constraint to the development of the smallholder cattle sector and instead were found to provide a motivation for cattle farming. The influence of living in a MIRAB economy was found to be an important factor impacting on cattle farming. However, the impact of emigration on cattle herds was more significant than the influence of remittances as, surprisingly, remittances from family members overseas did not play a major direct role in funding cattle fanning.
