ABSTRACT
This Maori proverb encapsulates well the rationale for considering the role of the capability approach (CA) in development programmes in the Pacific region. This chapter analyses the long-term application of a CA-based people centred participatory appraisal methodology as a means of ascertaining the long-term results for the community stakeholders involved in three diverse development programmes in a Pacific context. The first two are in Pacific Island nations focusing in particular on people living predominantly in isolated locations. Pri Skul Asosiesen Blong Vanuatu (PSABV) in Vanuatu is a village-based Indigenous pre-school education programme. Women in Business Development Incorporated (WIBDI) is a village-based Indigenous small business development agency particularly aimed at increasing income earning opportunities and improving livelihoods of women and youth especially those who could be described as vulnerable and suffering from ‘the poverty of isolation’. The other case study examined is based in the urban context of Aotearoa New Zealand. Choice Foundation StandTall (CFST) is a capability enhancement programme for New Zealand children attending schools in low income areas who show great potential at school but because of their environment and circumstances do not have access to the necessary resources to meet this potential. CFST aims to provide these children with the necessary skills, inspiration and opportunities to meet their goals in life and become successful at whatever they want to be. CFST views the CA as a sound theoretical basis for the programmes they wish to implement and is seeking to adopt a capabilities approach-based participatory monitoring and evaluation framework.
