Strengthening agricultural resilience in Western Province: Developing methods for strengths-based livelihoods approach

This project is part of a scoping study which seeks to draw on the lessons learnt from decades of development work in the Western Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG). It takes a place-based approach by recognising the diverse geographic, ecological and socio-cultural contexts across Western Province. It also takes a strengths-based approach by seeking to build a wider understanding of local people’s current economic (largely artisanal) activities and their diverse livelihood assets across broad geographic and cultural contexts.

The project is working to identify locally appropriate practices for sustainable agricultural development, focussing on the diverse regions of Western Province. It is fostering a ‘community of practice’ amongst development practitioners working in the Western Province in order to give the sector more confidence in their practice, new ideas to trial, and appropriate support for ACIAR’s planned ongoing work in the region.

The project works to collate and interpret data from past livelihoods development programs in Western Province, and to seek insights from PNG experts and those with local knowledge. This includes:

• Reviewing existing development practices in Western Province and in comparable contexts across the Western Pacific-Melanesian region.
• Critical comparison of existing methods being used in Western Province and South Fly.
• Adapting and assessing applicability of select tools and methods.

Recommendations for Phase 2 of the Department of Foreign Affairs South Fly Resilience Plan, and for ACIAR’s program of research-for-development across Western Province.