Text written for grade 7 and 8 students in Melanesia, but can also be used by students in other areas of the tropics. Discusses topics such as food production, soils, cultivating a food garden, raising chickens and farming systems. Includes activities involving observing, recording, interpreting, drawing conclusions and making decisions. Provides a summary of information based on research done in a subsistence farming village in Papua New Guinea. Includes a glossary and an index. The authors grew up and have worked in subsistence farming communities in Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and Nigeria.

Part of the 'Pacific 2010' series which focuses on the need to plan for the long term requirements of the island states of the South Pacific. Addresses strategic questions about the longer-term development of Melanesian agriculture in the light of current problems and emerging trends in the environment. Suggests ways of changing agriculture to become a powerful part of Melanesian economies by the year 2010. Includes a bibliography and index. J Brian Hardaker is professor and head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Business Management at the University of New England. Euan Fleming is a lecturer in agricultural economies at the University of New England.