Improving Livelihoods of Smallholder Coffee Communities in Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

Smallholder farmers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) face significant challenges, including labour shortages, low returns on labour, poor post-harvest processing, land pressures, and the recent threat of Coffee Berry Borer (CBB), a pest endangering the coffee industry. To address these issues, a research project was conducted, focusing on three components: a farmer training package, a demucilager (mini wet mill) trial, and intercropping coffee with food crops. The research involved extensive fieldwork using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The farmer training package consisted of 25 modules developed collaboratively with extension officers, smallholders, industry personnel, and researchers. It adopted a holistic ‘whole of farm’ approach, recognising the diverse livelihoods and socio-cultural activities of smallholders. A key module focused on CBB management, developed in partnership with HORT/2018/194, is now widely used. The overall package aims to strengthen links between farmers, exporters, and processors, ensuring the long-term sustainability of PNG’s coffee industry.

The demucilager trial in Bena, Eastern Highlands Province, demonstrated significant labour savings and produced premium-grade coffee, earning price premiums of 39–77% above standard rates. This incentivised better harvesting and garden maintenance, crucial for CBB management. Women benefited significantly, with village savings and loans groups fostering their engagement and strong governance within the demucilager group. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, CBB spread, and volatile coffee prices, the trial succeeded due to farmers’ recognition of the technology’s benefits, women’s active participation, and effective group governance. The intercropping trials showed that fertilised vegetables in coffee gardens improved coffee yields and provided additional income, helping families cope with CBB, price volatility, and drought. Intercropping also offers a solution for land pressure, enabling families to maintain coffee production while diversifying their income. Overall, the research highlights innovative, context-specific strategies to enhance smallholder resilience, improve livelihoods, and address threats like CBB, ensuring the sustainability of PNG’s coffee industry.