06/09/2023 In Papua New Guinea's highlands, sweet potato is more than a staple food, it's a lifeline for thousands of smallholder farmers. Known locally as 'kaukau,' this tuber has been a cornerstone of sustenance and income. However, the challenges of climate change, pests, and diseases have put this vital crop at risk.
In response to this challenge, colleagues in my office, at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Papua New Guinea, have stepped in, embodying the ethos of better production through innovative sweet potato breeding and conservation.
At this point, let me introduce a key individual that my team has been working with. Moureen Mokai, is a woman from Hoiebia village in Tari, Hela Province. As a single parent and a Ward Councillor, Moureen has long partnered with FAO to improve agricultural practices in her community. "Climate change affects us enormously," she told us, highlighting the vulnerability of traditional sweet potato varieties to different environmental conditions.
Thanks to FAO's intervention, the situation is improving. In 2021 alone, 32 community seed banks were established, distributing more than 38 000 pathogenic-tested sweet potato vine cuttings across Hela Province. This initiative has directly benefited more than 7 500 households and an estimated 53 000 people, fortifying local communities against the vagaries of climate and disease.
In collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea, the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), and other stakeholders, FAO has introduced early maturing and drought/frost-tolerant pathogenic-tested sweet potato varieties. These aren't just any varieties; they are the result of meticulous research and testing, designed to thrive in the unique climatic conditions of Papua New Guinea's highlands.
Additionally, resources from FAO's core Country Programme have been complemented by emergency support projects, such as the COVID-19 initiative funded by the Government of Japan and the United Nations Highlands Joint Program (UNJP). These additional layers of support have been crucial in addressing the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic and other emergencies, thereby contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the agrifood systems.
But FAO's work in Papua New Guinea is more than just a project; it's a transformational journey towards better production. FAO's commitment to innovation and community empowerment is not just uplifting individual farmers like Moureen but is also setting a precedent for sustainable agriculture globally.
Through on-field practical sessions, farmers are now equipped with new planting techniques, integrated farming methods, and even basic weather prediction skills. "With the support of FAO, I have high-yielding sweet potato planting materials that enable year-round cultivation," says Councilwoman Moureen, encapsulating the transformative impact of FAO's initiatives.
FAO's innovative sweet potato breeding and conservation in Papua New Guinea is a beacon of 'Better Production.' It not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable agrifood system in the country. In fact, I’m proud enough to call it a model that shows how targeted interventions, backed by scientific research and community engagement, can transform the face of agriculture, not just in Papua New Guinea but globally.
Together, FAO in Papua New Guinea, the government, local communities and our resources partners, are working hand in hand to improve this production. But we are going beyond that. Our intention is to creative a better holistic situation for everyone. To do that, we follow FAO’s ‘four betters’ approach – Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment and a Better Life for all. Ultimately, our goal is to leave no one behind.
