Abstract:
In the last two decades there has been an ever-expanding discourse from international development agencies and academics on the role that faith-based organisations play within the sphere of development. This discourse has been linked to a growing appreciation for the work that non-governmental organisations have done in providing long-term development improvements to communities. Whilst the study of faith-based organisations is still relatively new in development discourse, this thesis will attempt to critique the work that the organisations have done within Papua New Guinea. The research will focus on the case study of current urban development issues that affect the capital city of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, with a particular focus upon the key development issue areas of land, health, education and economic insecurity. Through the use of post-colonialism as a critical analysis tool, a discourse analysis will be used to deconstruct the relevant literature on the topic. Furthermore, the concept of human security, although recognised as an overly-broad concept, will be utilised with the hope of finding alternative solutions to the present human insecurity within the cities. An interdisciplinary approach will be undertaken to examine the four key ideas of post-colonialism, faith-based organisations, urban development and human security. This approach has been used to highlight the need for more connectivity between the four themes with an appreciation of the various disciplines and fields from which they stem. The overall goal of this examination is to undertake a holistic, comprehensive analysis of the development situation in Papua New Guinea with the ultimate hope of encouraging future research into the issue.