Knowledge Check: Kava

1. What is kava?

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

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

Vanuatu, with about 82 varietiesHawaii, with 2 varietiesBrazilWest Africa

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

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

4. Why does kava need volcanic soil?

Volcanic potassium, magnesium, and iron boost its kavalactones, and the porous rock drains wellVolcanic soil is the only warm soilLava rock holds water like a spongeIt does not; any soil works

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

Its coral-sand soil is shallow and low in the volcanic minerals kava needsAtolls are too coldAtolls get no rainAtolls are too far from the sea

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 type of camera used by farmersA reef that protects the coastA kind of kava variety

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

The national drink, a symbol of unityAn illegal substanceAn export crop onlyA tourist novelty

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

Circular seating, silence to listen, honoring elders, and long ceremonies build consensus so all voices are heardOne person decides everything quicklyVotes are cast in secretCeremonies have no governance role

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

About 70 percent of land disputes are resolved through kava-mediated dialogueIt is banned from official meetingsIt is used only for touristsIt has no role

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

Justice focused on healing relationships and repairing harm rather than punishmentHarsher prison sentencesTrial by combatFines paid to the government