Livelihood training in the Islands Region of Papua New Guinea: the Integrated Agricultural Training Program

Abstract

The traditional approach to agricultural extension in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been based on transfer of technical knowledge. The origins of PNG extension programs lie in colonial structures developed by the Australian Government prior to national independence in 1975, and subsequently administered through national and provincial governments. More recently these programs have been supplemented for some crops, such as cocoa and coffee, by extension programs delivered by commodity-based research and development organizations. The overall approach taken by all of these extension organizations can be characterized as content-based and top down technology transfer. In contrast, the Integrated Agricultural Training Program (IATP) described in this paper, and managed by the University of Vudal based in East New Britain Province (ENBP), has taken a deliberate farmer-centric approach with an emphasis on people, livelihoods, training and empowerment. The program was initially funded for three years by a major grant from AusAID, and developed with partnership assistance from UniQuest, the commercial arm of the University of Queensland. Since the end of 2004 the program has been run totally by University of Vudal with funds provided by local stakeholders (local governments and course participants). Although initially restricted to East New Britain Province, delivery of programs on the Island of Lihir and on the main island of New Ireland commenced in 2006. Delivery will commence in the Bouganville Region in 2007. Some elements of the program have also been delivered in West New Britain Province.