A thorough Farmer Training Needs Assessment (FTNA) was recently carried out in the Wafi Golpu Area of Morobe province by USAID’s PNG Sustainable Landscapes (PNGSL) Program in an effort to support sustainable agricultural methods and increase cocoa production.
The week-long study, which sought to pinpoint important areas for support and development in cocoa cultivation, drew responses from over 50 cocoa producers.
With assistance from the Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture, the Babuaf Farmers’ Cooperative Society (BFCS) oversaw the evaluation, which was one of several meetings with farmers, stakeholders, and the local community.
The survey, which had cocoa farming as its main focus, aimed to identify farmer needs, sustainable land use practices, training needs, and opportunities for capacity building in order to improve cocoa quality, raise yields, and make it easier for farmers to access possible market chains.
The Babuaf Farmers’ Cooperative Society was established in 2017 and has been instrumental in enabling registered farmers to grow cocoa trees, gather produce, and sell to BFCS. Some farmers have also shipped their dried cocoa beans to Lae in order to sell them further.
The Deputy Chairman of BFCS, Mr. Steven Jadah Utin highlighted the important role that Babuaf cocoa farmers may play in helping to build a chocolate factory.
He emphasized the significance of solid partnerships in boosting farmers’ value and empowering them to increase cocoa production and improve their standard of living through thorough training, enhanced knowledge and ability, and sustainable land management practices.
Ms. Maureen Thomas, the Private Sector Engagement Specialist, spoke on behalf of PNGSL and praised the farmers’ perseverance in growing cocoa.
She emphasized the need for focused assistance to deal with particular issues and leverage farmers’ current efforts, such as facilitating market access, implementing sustainable land use techniques, and providing specialized training programs.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded PNG Sustainable Landscapes program, run by Palladium, supports conservation, sustainable land use, natural resource management, and greenhouse gas reduction goals set forth by the Papua New Guinean government.
The results of the FTNA survey are anticipated to guide targeted initiatives meant to improve cocoa farming methods, encourage local farmers’ economic empowerment, and advance sustainable development in the Morobe province.