Cocoa and Goat Integration Launch

The event, which was held last month was attended by university staff; representatives from NARI, NAQIA and PNG Cocoa Board; James Butubu Area Manager ACIAR Bougainville; and acting Pro Vice Chancellor Academic and Research Mr Peter Navus.

 

Speaking on behalf of the University, Mr Navus thanked the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) for having confidence in UNRE as one of its partners, the University Farmer Training Centre, Kairak Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (KCfSRD) for the implementation of the project objectives and the other collaborating partners.

 

Mr Navus is confident that the Centre has achieved its objective to alleviate poverty, help people in rural areas and participate in research that addresses and improves people’s livelihood. 

He acknowledged the hardworking technical team led by KCfSRD Manager Hosea Turbarat, Suri Thomas Taisa, Robby Sinafa, Limai Lan, Bradley Nelson, Inia Bunsa, Doreen Tunama, Roddy Amut, Owen Ngala, Gerald Enda, Constatina Kanugere and Jude Murawa for their efforts in the project.

Mr Butubu thanked UNRE for being part of the ACIAR Project on Developing the Cocoa value chain in Bougainville.

 

This project focused on improving the profitability and vitality of smallholder cocoa farming families and communities in Bougainville.  

He said it was delivered in collaboration with five key stakeholders: University of Sydney, PNG UNRE, PNG Cocoa Board, Mars Australia and AROB Department of Primary Industries and Marine Resources.

 

The aim of the six-year project (2016 to 2022) was to: 

1. Improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of cocoa farming and related enterprises;

2. Understand and raise awareness of opportunities for improved nutrition and health to contribute to agricultural productivity and livelihoods;

3. Foster innovation and enterprise development at community level (this is where UNRE is involved); and

4. Strengthen value chains for cocoa and associated horticultural products.  

 

Mr Butubu said UNRE has played an important role in the project with Cocoa and Goat Integration, and the development of the module is a great achievement. 

He said the One Health Approach is a way forward for any government and donor funded project, adding that research has found that healthy farmers are wealthier and will improve productivity.

 

“Since we are faced with Climate Change issues, population growth, new diseases and food security, I urge UNRE and its stakeholders to work in partnership to create new knowledge, theories, innovate new technologies to sustainably manage our natural resources in order to improve economic benefits, increase income earnings opportunities as well as improve food security and the general livelihoods of the rural population,” said Mr Butubu.