"Land and Longhouse by Robert Cramb is not a book that romantizes the lives of the indigenous communities in Sarawak, Malaysia, in light of modernization and development. Rather, it is a vigorous study of the historic transformation of the Iban, the largest ethnic group in Sarawak, and of their system of agricultural practices over a period of one hundred and fifty years.
"Land and Longhouse by Robert Cramb is not a book that romantizes the lives of the indigenous communities in Sarawak, Malaysia, in light of modernization and development. Rather, it is a vigorous study of the historic transformation of the Iban, the largest ethnic group in Sarawak, and of their system of agricultural practices over a period of one hundred and fifty years.
…this publication provides invaluable information for researchers and policymakers interested in commercial agricultural development and its implications on indigenous communities from a political economy perspective. Cramb presents a clear discussion of the issues involved, the impact on the Saibas Iban of modernization and development over several decades, and how their community has transformed over time. Cramb also provides invaluable insights into how agricultural transformation endeavours should be approached in order to minimize the attendant conflicts and tensions associated with developing lands for commercial agriculture."