Knowledge Check: Kava

1. What is kava?

A desert cactusA kind of coffee beanA sea plantA Pacific Island root (Piper methysticum) mixed with water into a calming drink

2. Where is kava's true home and center of diversity?

West AfricaBrazilHawaii, with 2 varietiesVanuatu, with about 82 varieties

3. Why can kava not grow well on a continent?

Continents have no soilContinents are too wetContinents swing between hot summers and cold winters, while kava needs steady island warmthKava grows fine on continents

4. Why does kava need volcanic soil?

Volcanic soil is the only warm soilVolcanic potassium, magnesium, and iron boost its kavalactones, and the porous rock drains wellIt does not; any soil worksLava rock holds water like a sponge

5. Why can a coral atoll not grow kava, even in the right climate?

Atolls are too coldIts coral-sand soil is shallow and low in the volcanic minerals kava needsAtolls are too far from the seaAtolls get no rain

6. What is the freshwater lens, and why does sea-level rise threaten it?

The layer of rainwater floating on saltwater in an island aquifer; rising seas push salt into it, and salt poisons kavaA reef that protects the coastA kind of kava varietyA type of camera used by farmers

7. What did newly independent Vanuatu declare kava to be in 1980?

An illegal substanceThe national drink, a symbol of unityA tourist noveltyAn export crop only

8. How do kava ceremonies work as a governance tool?

One person decides everything quicklyCeremonies have no governance roleVotes are cast in secretCircular seating, silence to listen, honoring elders, and long ceremonies build consensus so all voices are heard

9. What role does kava play in the Vanuatu Council of Chiefs?

It is banned from official meetingsIt has no roleIt is used only for touristsAbout 70 percent of land disputes are resolved through kava-mediated dialogue

10. What is restorative justice, as practiced through kava?

Fines paid to the governmentTrial by combatJustice focused on healing relationships and repairing harm rather than punishmentHarsher prison sentences