Colonial legacies and climate adaptation in Fiji: the role of indigenous knowledge in migration decisions

This chapter explores the enduring impact of colonialism on climate adaptation and mobility in Fiji, focusing on iTaukei villages. Employing an analytical framework related to livelihood dimensions and risk perception and using empirically collected village-level qualitative data demonstrates that colonialism's imposition of modern knowledge systems has had limited influence on community-level mobility but significantly shaped broader adaptation strategies. The analysis reveals that colonial exposure has altered climate adaptation practices, with near-urban villages adopting a more global approach while remote villages retain traditional knowledge systems. The dominance of modern knowledge, driven by colonial power dynamics, has led to a systemic dependency on external actors and international aid, undermining local agency. The findings underscore the self-perpetuating cycle of colonial influence, as reliance on external strategies weakens iTaukei culture, communal ties, and traditional environmental stewardship. The chapter concludes by advocating for adaptation practices that integrate indigenous knowledge systems, enhance local autonomy, challenge modern knowledge's hegemony in shaping Fiji's climate adaptation efforts, and influence people's staying motivation.