Dean Stronge

Citation

Thesis Title
Invasive Alien Species: A Threat to Sustainable Livelihoods in the Pacific? An Assessment of the Effects of Wasmannia auropunctata (little fire ant) and Achatina fulica (giant African snail) on Rural Livelihoods in the Solomon Islands

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Invasive alien species are a global phenomenon and are recognised as drivers of environmental change affecting the well-being of people. Despite this, the role of invasive species on Pacific livelihoods has received little attention. Using the little fire ant and the giant African snail as case studies, Mr Stronge explored the influence these species had on rural Solomon Island livelihoods. His findings illustrated the multiple effects invasive species have on the livelihoods of those living with, and enduring the consequences of these invasive species. Although influencing all three of the sustainable development pillars (social, economic, environmental), he found that invasive species are still a significant missing component in Solomon Island development policy. Left unchecked, invasive species will compromise policies and programmes that the Solomon Islands Government are seeking to implement with regards to economic growth, poverty alleviation and food security within the country.

Supervisors
Professor Glenn Banks
Associate Professor Rochelle Stewart-Withers