Socio-Economic Considerations
The economy of Atafu is a subsistent and aid-affluent one, enshrined within a protective socio-cultural
environment. Village life is well organised, with the planning and coordination of village activities performed by
the taupulega (grouping of senior men). To the external observer the obviousness of this complex social
organisational structure is disguised in the seemingly relaxed manner in which villagers go about their assigned
tasks.
In line with the egalitarian structure of Atafu society, the principle of maopoopo and alofa is manifest in the
dedication and commitment the village has to community activities. The fact that the importance of the
community's needs is still in this day and age suggests that this characteristic of the society will not change
overnight for the sake of the Kileva project.
Resource management is not a new concept in the taupulega setting and the inati system is evidence of an age-old
sharing system that serves a social welfare function.