Farmers in the Sepik Region will now have access to ICT Services, after the set-up of Resource Centres in West & East Sepik.
The set-up of this Resource Centres was done by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme bringing in a new era ushering in a new era of digital empowerment for local farmers.
The Project Officer for ITU-STREIT Mr Kanagat Alyshbaev said these resource centre provides farmers with tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the market and help them to contribute to the economic development of their country.
“The resource centres signify a dynamic shift towards a more connected and empowered agribusiness landscape. By harnessing the potential of digital tools, we are not only enhancing the capacities of local producers and MSMEs but also supporting rural communities.”
The Resource Centres will enable farmers to have access to and know how to use digital technologies for enterprise development; market information on prices, demand, and trends; access to e-marketplaces and e-commerce platforms; support to the formation of new and strengthen of existing farmers’ groups and cooperatives; and advice on production, marketing, and financial management.
The resource centres also connect farmers with buyers, exporters, processors, and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chains.
The establishment of these four Resource Centres in areas that have problems accessing ICT Services signifies a significant stride towards boosting rural development and agri-enterprise in the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea.
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Sepik provinces, these resource centres are located at Brandi Secondary School (Wewak) and Wosera Secondary School (Wosera) in East Sepik, and Don Bosco Technical Secondary School (Vanimo) and St. Ignatius Secondary School (Aitape) in West Sepik.
By collaborating with public schools to host these Resource Centres, through a public-private partnership approach, will ensure these resource centres are sustained and also nurtures a sense of ownership within the local community.