The Inception Workshop for the IFPRI Papua New Guinea (PNG) Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Policy Support Country Program 2024-2028, took place on August 6, 2024 at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby. The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the Government of PNG, the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australian Center for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) and Australian High Commission to discuss IFPRI’s new four-year program and its alignment with national priorities.
Mr. Ivan Pomaleu, Chief Secretary from the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (PMNEC) delivered the Opening Remarks, which highlighted the importance of the program and its relevance to PNG’s agriculture sector. He acknowledged IFPRI’s significant contributions over the past five years, particularly through the 2023 PNG Rural Household Survey Report, which provided key insights into rural household welfare, employment and development outcomes. Mr Pomaleu introduced the new four-year policy support program, emphasizing the importance of strengthening local capacity in data collection and analysis, with a focus on evidence-based policymaking . He endorsed IFPRI’s 4-year program in PNG and extended heartfelt appreciation to the Australian government for their unwavering commitment, support and partnership.
Dr. Emily Schmidt outlined the program’s research priorities, including: agri-food system growth and transformation; climate-resilient agriculture; women’s economic empowerment; food and nutrition security; and enhancing agricultural value chains. Dr. Sergie Bang, Secretary Department of Agriculture and Livestock, underlined the importance of improving nutrition through school-based programs and gender-sensitive initiatives. Mr. Sanja Pepae, First Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) emphasized the collaboration between IFPRI and DNPM in budget and macroeconomic planning while Dr. Osborne Liko, Secretary Department of Health, highlighted the need to reduce stunting rates, noting that the last major nutrition survey was conducted in 2005. National Statistician Mr. John Igitoi echoed the importance of national level data collection and detailed analysis to inform development initiatives. Deputy Secretary Mr. Konabe, who provided concluding remarks, emphasized that the IFPRI PNG Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Policy Program is strategically aligned with the national priorities of DAL. He stressed its importance in driving the advancement of the agriculture sector over the next five years.
These high-level discussions highlighted the critical need for coordinated efforts to ensure agricultural policies are inclusive, data-driven and focused on addressing PNG’s most pressing challenges. Ms Fiona Lynn along with Mr Konabe summarized the key points and agreements, including the composition of a National Advisory Committee (NAC) comprising seven members from key government departments and agencies. The NAC will oversee the program to help shape research priorities and ensure that data and analysis capability strengthening activities remain relevant to PNG’s long-term development strategies.
