FAO facilitates cocoa Farmer-to-Farmer learning between Sepik and Bougainville

Wewak, Papua New Guinea – A group of 15 lead cocoa farmers, including two women, from 10 districts of the Sepik Region of Papua New Guinea participated in a week-long study tour to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB). The study tour was facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the European Union-funded STREIT PNG Programme. AROB was chosen as the destination because it is known for its high-quality cocoa beans and well-managed cocoa blocks.

The main objective of the study tour was to expose the Sepik farmers to different aspects of the cocoa value chain in Bougainville and to enable them to learn from successful cocoa producers, businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Sepik farmers had the opportunity to visit various cocoa farms, cooperatives, processing facilities, and markets in Bougainville. They met with thriving cocoa producers, business owners and entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and advice on cocoa block management, cocoa business development, and farm business diversification beyond cocoa farming by venturing into other businesses such as tourism, poultry, and fishing.

The Sepik farmers also gained knowledge on cocoa quality assessment, semi-processing, processing, and marketing. They saw how some cooperatives aggregate their cocoa beans efficiently and supply them to exporters or domestic food manufacturers. They also learned about the importance of producing consistent quality cocoa beans to access premium markets.

The study tour coincided with the Bougainville Chocolate Festival 2023, which was held on Buka Island. The Sepik farmers visited different stalls and interacted with cocoa producers and processors. They also had the chance to buy and taste locally produced cocoa powder and chocolate.

One of the highlights of the festival was a presentation by an experienced chocolatier from New Zealand who demonstrated how to prepare simple cocoa products at home, such as instant chocolate drinks. The chocolatier also explained the importance of producing consistent quality cocoa beans to access premium markets.

The study tour was an eye-opening and inspirational experience for the Sepik farmers, who interacted with various stakeholders in the cocoa value chain in Bougainville.

The Sepik farmers expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from their counterparts in Bougainville. They said they would apply the knowledge and skills they gained in their own cocoa businesses, including cocoa block management, downstream processing, farm business diversification, and producing consistent quality cocoa beans to access premium markets.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn about the cocoa industry here [Bougainville] and also to visit the beautiful cocoa exhibition. We’ve learned a lot in terms of block management, and downstream processing; On a personal note, I admire what they have done here. One thing I will take back to Nuku [West Sepik] to tell my group is the importance of good block management for producing quality cocoa beans,” said Nimrod Wangu, who represents the Sultongo Cooperative Society of Nuku District in West Sepik Province.

“For me, treating cocoa farming as a serious business is something I’ve learned. Also, the population here in general have the right mindset and attitude and these are some valuable lessons to take back from this exposure visit,” said Sussie Noguru of the Bogumatai Women Cooperative Society in Wewak District of East Sepik Province.

EU-STREIT PNG Programme, led by FAO, is the largest grant-funded programme of the European Union in Papua New Guinea. It aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers in East and West Sepik provinces by focusing on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas through improved economic returns and agri-business development environment in cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains.

Report

Cocoa

Under the EU-STREIT PNG, various interventions are being implemented to address identified bottlenecks in the further development of cocoa-based agribusinesses and value chain activities.