Three articles in this paper highlight the fact that archaeological research leads directly to increased food production through the revival of prehistoric irrigation systems to supply urban markets : Learning from the past in the Pacific : the Revival of ancient irrigation techniques for a market economy (november 1980). 2. Pilot project for the development of taro irrigation on Aneityum, Southern New Hebrides (november 1979). 3. Pilot project for the development of taro irrigation on Aneityum (Vanuatu) : report of visit of M.J.T. Spriggs to initiate the project, July to September 1980 (October 1980).