EU-STREIT PNG Showcases Scalable System Driving Sustainable Agricultural Value Chain Transformation In Papua New Guinea

Scoop

2 days ago

Press Release – EU STREIT PNG
The EU-STREIT PNG Programme hosted a dedicated Learning and Innovation Event to spotlight practical innovations & wholistic development model for transforming agrifood systems across Papua New Guinea.
Wewak, Papua New Guinea – The EU-funded Support to Rural Entrepreneurship, Investment, and Trade in Papua New Guinea (EU-STREIT PNG) Programme concluded a two-day National Learning and Innovation Event in Wewak, East Sepik Province, drawing over 42 participants including government officials, technical experts, private sector representatives, and development partners from across the country. The event provided a platform to share knowledge, showcase the Programme's Value Chain Development model, and discuss strategies for replicating its model nationwide.
Participants representing cocoa board and department of agriculture from all provinces had the opportunity to experience firsthand transformational approaches in agriculture and innovations through interactive demonstrations and targeted field visits at Hawaiian Nursery for cocoa and Mandi Village for vanilla value chains. These visits illustrated improved farming techniques, advanced processing and post-harvest innovations, digital tools facilitating access to premium niche markets, as well as the critical roles played by government agencies, exporters, processors and financial service providers. Attendees also observed and were briefed about the enabling support measures including upgraded transport infrastructure, ICT solutions, digital tools, and financial services that have collectively driven inclusive agricultural value chain-driven development in the Sepik region.
Central to the discussions was the Programme's potential for replication and long-term sustainability through its integrated approach. This strategy encompasses value chain strengthening, access to financial serving, digital connectivity, rural transport and renewable energy infrastructure development, capacity-building, and inclusive practices that actively engage women, youth, and differently-abled individuals. It also emphasises coordinated partnerships with the Cocoa Board, Spice Industry Board, Department of Agriculture and Livestock, and other key stakeholders. Participants also extensively discussed resource mobilisation strategies, emphasising robust public-private partnerships, targeted financial investments, and community engagement to sustain and scale these interventions.
The EU-STREIT PNG Programme Coordinator, Mr Ali Said Yesuf, underscored the significance of the event, stating, 'We organised this event to share what we have learned during the last five years of Programme implementation, particularly in transforming the cocoa and vanilla value chains. As the programme nears its conclusion, it is critical to widely disseminate our successful approaches, innovations, and the strong collaborations forged with the private sector, national and provincial governments, farmers, and MSMEs. This gathering is about exchanging experiences and sharing best practices and lessons so that our achievements can be sustainably replicated and contextualised by other provinces according to their unique needs.'
Representing the Papua New Guinea's Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Assistant Secretary and the Head of National Authorizing Officer Support Unit, Mr Floyd Lala, emphasised the government's commitment to supporting replication efforts: 'The EU-STREIT PNG Programme resulted from rigorous consultation to align with our national development priorities, especially within the Medium-Term Development Plan. We have seen significant positive changes, particularly in rural communities. Our focus now is on supporting other provinces to adopt this successful model. Replication is about adapting key principles and contextualising them to local circumstances, recognising the uniqueness of each province. The interest expressed by provinces during this event demonstrates substantial momentum to move forward.'
Deputy Provincial Administrator for Western Highlands, Mr Emil Tigil, who attended the event with a delegation from the Highlands region, also shared his reflections: 'The two days have been very fruitful. On behalf of the participants and the Highlands team, I'd like to acknowledge the EU-STREIT PNG Programme for initiating this Learning Event. Exposure and leadership are key to progress and this event offered both. Visiting the cocoa site gave us valuable insight into how we can elevate production and quality for export. The vanilla site was equally meaningful. Life is made up of moments, and this event and exposure has been an important one for all of us.'
An important outcome of the event was the consensus by the participating government agencies to collaboratively draft a concept note. This document will outline concrete next steps, necessary resources, partnership strategies, and relevant policies required for successfully replicating the EU-STREIT PNG model in other regions. It will form a solid foundation for resource mobilization, strategic planning, and constructive policy dialogue between provincial administrations, the National Government, and development partners.
Participants also stressed the critical need for provincial and national institutions to integrate these insights into their respective planning and budgetary processes. Ensuring such integration will be vital for achieving sustainable and enduring impacts beyond the Programme's conclusion in 2026.
As Papua New Guinea looks to the future, the EU-STREIT PNG Programme provides a well-tested and adaptable blueprint for inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems development, ready to be scaled and contextualised to meet diverse national and provincial needs.
About the EU-STREIT PNG Programme
The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, is the European Union's largest grant-funded initiative in the country being implemented as a United Nations Joint Programme by FAO, ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP. It focuses on boosting sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas. This is achieved by FAO's support in enhancing economic returns and opportunities within cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains. Additionally, the Programme strengthens and improves the efficiency of value chain enablers, including access to Information & Communication Technology (ICT) by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and digital financial services by UNCDF. ILO also supports the development of sustainable, climate-resilient roads and other transport infrastructures while UNDP provides renewable energy solutions. The Programme directly benefits two provinces: East Sepik and West Sepik.