Climate Smart Agriculture Opportunities for Enhanced Food Production in Papua New Guinea
Research context
Agriculture in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is heavily impacted by climate change, threatening food security and stability in the country. Substantial climate variability exposes farmers to significant risk due to their reliance on historical practices based on a ‘normal’ season. Seasonal climate forecasts (SCF) have been proven to mitigate the impacts of climate change and increase fam productivity. However, its introduction and use in rural community food production decisions is seen as challenging due to the complex nature of the information.
This project sought to bridge the gap between scientific content and social relevance and readability. In rural communities of PNG, there are low rates of numeracy and literacy as well as mobile adoption. Cognisant of these challenges and drawing on global best practices for climate smart agriculture, the project sought to co-design a mechanism to effectively share seasonal climate forecasts with farmers in PNG.
Project activities and Outcomes
The primary aim of this project was to improve existing agricultural production by providing seasonal climate information in a way that helped rural communities respond to changing seasonal weather conditions. It facilitated the use of both scientific and indigenous climate knowledge in PNG farming communities to support important decisions about food production. The project was divided into five components listed below:
- Understanding the knowledge landscape.
To understand how people in the case study regions accessed, shared, and used climate and weather information, the project conducted a social network analysis and household survey. The project team was also able to document indigenous farming practices.
- Establishing field trials.
Field trials were established to demonstrate the value of SCF information to local communities. The field trials partly informed the creation of a matrix that documented farm management strategies tailored to various rainfall scenarios and priority crops.
- Design of a seasonal farm advisory.
The project developed a two-step seasonal farm advisory (SFA) to deliver SCF to farmers. The first step involved the translation of localised meteorological forecasts by the PNG National Weather Service (NWS) into briefs for the PNG National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI). In the second step, NARI officers developed text messages to send to farmers which included farming advice based on the forecast, farming phase, and crops. The design was an iterative process as the SFA received feedback from farmers and extension officers.
- Delivery and feedback of seasonal farm advisory.
The project team conducted a series of community engagement activities to support the uptake of SCF information. This included farmer field days at the field trials, developing and sharing best practice videos, and the delivery of text-based SFAs. University of Goroka (UoG) also created a dartboard game to help farmers grasp the concepts related to seasonal climate forecasts.
- Economic modelling and value demonstration.
The project also developed a bio-economic modelling platform to demonstrate the additional value of SCF information. This model was developed using PNG baseline information on commodity prices, labour costs, farm inputs etc. and has been used to show the results of varying seasonal conditions.
Key research findings
- Based on interviews conducted in May 2020, farmers in PNG adapted to changing weather conditions. They made small adjustments more often because weather patterns had become less predictable and land was becoming scarcer. Traditional Indigenous knowledge had become less reliable due to climate variability, affecting normal farming practices.
- Seasonal rainfall, drought early warning systems, temperature, and rain forecasts were the most important types of information for farmers. However, men and women have distinct information needs. Men primarily want seasonal rainfall and drought information, while women relatively consistently cite seasonal and daily rainfall and daily temperature forecasts.
- The church, family, and Wantok (one’s tribe or clan) are important and highly trusted sources of information. Men have greater access to and engagement with media as an information source. Meanwhile, women relied more on personal networks, community-based organisations, and formal businesses. These networks were leveraged to maximise the reach of the SFA.
- Relevant information included national and regional rainfall forecasts using tercile probability products with accuracy information, including weekly, monthly, three-month, and six-month outlooks to support farmer planning and drought preparedness. Soil moisture conditions were also requested.
- There is a gender imbalance within mobile ownership in PNG. Therefore, more work needs to be done to ensure women, particularly women information brokers, receive SFAs and other useful information.
- SFA recipients found the information vital and useful. Recipients have used it to inform their own farm management practices and share it with other farmers who do not own a mobile phone. Farmer leaders and extension officers were key information brokers.
- Social media applications, such as WhatsApp and Facebook, showed some initial promise of expanding the reach of the SFA. However, reliable network coverage and power supply affected the ability of farmers to consistently engage with the SFA.
Key details
Location: Papua New Guinea
Duration: March 2019 – March 2025
Commissioned organisation: Australian National University
ANU Project Leader: Dr. Steven Crimp
Partners: National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), University of Goroka, National Weather Service (NWS), Sustineo, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)