Papua New Guinea Horticulture Industry Sector Study

Agriculture dominates the rural economy of Papua New Guinea (PNG). More than five million rural dwellers (80% of the population) earn a living from subsistence agriculture and selling crops in domestic and international markets. Many aspects of agriculture in PNG are described in this data-rich book. Topics include agricultural environments in which crops are grown; production of food crops, cash crops and animals; land use; soils; demography; migration; the macro-economic environment; gender issues; governance of agricultural institutions; and transport. The history of agriculture over the 50 000 years that PNG has been occupied by humans is summarised. Much of the information presented is not readily available within PNG. The book contains results of many new analyses, including a food budget for the entire nation. The text is supported by 165 tables and 215 maps and figures.

In October 1996, The East Asia and Pacific Region developed a Regional Gender Action Plan that stressed the importance of country-specific strategies regarding gender issues. This report on gender in Papua New Guinea intends to lay the foundation for such a strategy. The report provides an outline of the key historical, economic, demographic, political, geographic, socio-cultural, legal and institutional issues that are relevant to understanding the status of women in Papua New Guinea today.

Field study of land tenure and agricultural production by the Nagovisi ethnic group in Papua New Guinea - describes their traditional culture as well as the historical background and geographical aspects; analyses traditional land utilization, land ownership, inheritance, etc.; studies the cultivation system, horticulture, and the sexual division of labour; considers the introduction of cash crop production such as cocoa; discusses the attitudes towards agricultural incomes and future prospects. Bibliography, graphs. Illustrations, statistical tables.

In a recent working paper, we examine staple and cash crop production yields in Papua New Guinea (PNG). In doing so, we assess the yield gap (difference between the crop yields farmers commonly obtain and what they might realize with optimal inputs and crop management) for the main staple food crops in PNG. The yield gap for sweet potato is the smallest (1/4 - 1/3 less than attainable yields), while banana shows the largest yield gap at about ¾ less than what might be achieved under intensive cultivation. In addition, we compare PNG agricultural output with areas of similar growing conditions in Indonesia to provide insight into potential investments to further spur agricultural productivity in PNG. Finally, we assess current sector policies in PNG that aim to support agricultural development as an engine for economic growth.