Strengthening Pacific voices through Talanoa participatory action research

Abstract

Approaches to health and social research and development in the Pacific are dominated by Eurocentric frameworks that fail to reflect the region’s ethnic diversity and inherent cultural knowledge and belief systems. We aimed to advance innovative, indigenous methodology with a focus on youth voice and transformative approaches that contribute to a decolonising and sustainable model of development. Talanoa—a Pacific framework for communicating and connecting—and participatory action research were adapted to create a unique Pacific “action cycle” focused on providing opportunities to (a) hear from fruit and vegetable young entrepreneurs and (b) foster healthy and sustainable food systems among young entrepreneurs in Suva, Fiji. A Fijian worldview helped to centralise Fijian concepts of knowledge enquiry and research. This article describes the way in which Pacific Talanoa can be incorporated within a Fijian epistemological paradigm for research and development undertaken in the Fijian context.

Whose voice is heard?

“…In addition, the stimulus of Leadership Pacific as a movement is visible in leadership-focused texts 8 and 6. Beyond demonstrating the significance of a collaborative approach to life to Pacific people (Cammock et al, 2021), these connections attest to the significance of relationships in the Pacific that extend beyond institutional boundaries. At the same time, such connections work against the competitive elements of the Western roots of the donor aid economy which in turn can fuel competition for resources based on ethnicity and gender (McLaughlin, 2018).…”

A framework for examining justice in food system transformations research

“…This approach should be founded on strong intersectionality 15 that recognizes the individual nature of experiences and knowledges, and an openness to diverse (non-western) epistemologies and expressions of knowledge and ways of knowing. Cammock et al 16 , for example, explain how following a Talanoa 'action cycle' methodology helped to centralize Fijian knowledge systems and understandings of research within their work on youth and entrepreneurship in the fruit and vegetable sector. This can be a significant act of emancipatory comment transformation in itself, particularly where it seeks to give a voice to those whose voice is otherwise (or has historically been) restricted.…”

Development of PARcific Approach: Participatory Action Research Methodology for Collectivist Health Research

“…Where research is concerned, it is not difficult to see how Western, and therefore individualist, models could cause considerable difficulty for indigenous and collectivist groups. It is argued that the predominant use of Wester-nised paradigms, steeped in European, white mainstream values has done more to serve the needs of mainstream academics and funders than to meet the needs of local Indigenous communities (Blodgett et al, 2011; Cammock et al, 2021).…”

“…Drawing on the work of Leininger and McFarland (2006), she argues that a ‘grassroots’, bottom-up response to health is imperative, and that this, in turn demands an understanding of the ways in which culture is embedded in, and foundational to, holistic nursing care. This approach promotes the most culturally appropriate, relevant nursing care, by addressing the social dimension of Pacific health and well-being thereby reflecting values and traditions that Pacific people incorporate into decision-making (Cammock et al, 2021).…”