Building a Stronger Partnership Network in Morobe Province

From April 9–10, 2025, the Morobe Provincial Partners Coordination Forum was hosted by the Morobe Provincial Administration in partnership with DFAT at the Lutheran University of PNG (Martin Luther Seminary), Nakili Education Centre.

Under the theme “Building a Stronger Partnership Network through Stakeholder Mapping,” the two-day forum convened over 30 stakeholders across diverse sectors—including government, development partners, agriculture, infrastructure, and civil society—to improve coordination and service delivery across Morobe Province.

Grow PNG was invited to share its work and experience in Markham Valley, showcasing its ongoing commitment to inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.

Partners from various sectors gather for the Second Morobe Provincial Partners Coordination Forum to enhance collaboration and development strategies in Morobe Province.

Key Insights:

1. Addressing On-the-Ground Realities in Agriculture Smallholder farmers and agribusinesses in the Markham Valley continue to face persistent challenges in accessing affordable machinery finance and reliable irrigation infrastructure.

David Stewart, Country Director of Grow PNG, speaks to participants at the Second Morobe Provincial Partners Coordination Forum, emphasizing the importance of fostering stronger partnerships through stakeholder mapping to achieve sustainable economic development.

“Farmers know what they need, but the support system around them—especially in terms of capital and equipment—isn’t always within reach,” said David Stewart, Country Director of Grow PNG.

These barriers directly impact productivity and limit the scale at which local enterprises can grow.

2. Government Support as a Catalyst for ChangeThe forum highlighted the critical role of provincial government in driving meaningful and lasting impact. Grow PNG presented clear opportunities where policy alignment and co-investment could amplify success on the ground.This includes leveraging Grow PNG’s local networks and implementation capabilities to roll out infrastructure and finance solutions at scale.

3. Building Agricultural Value Chains Through CollaborationGrow PNG emphasized its continuing efforts to connect farmers, investors, and development partners, working to strengthen agricultural value chains and improve livelihoods in the Markham Valley.

“We see real momentum in Markham—but to sustain it, we need shared commitment, strategic partnerships, and coordinated delivery,” Stewart added.

Looking ahead, Grow PNG and the Morobe Provincial Government will take a critical next step by co-hosting a meeting in late April. This upcoming session will lay the foundation for a multi-stakeholder platform focused on scaling impact across other districts.

Grow PNG is proud to be part of this journey—a growing network of changemakers shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for Morobe.