Meet John Gaif: A Young Leader Making a Difference in Markham Valley

Atupan Village, Markham Valley, Morobe Province; John Gaif, President of the Markham Smart Farmers Association, is leading an inspiring movement that is reshaping the lives of smallholder farmers in Markham Valley. His journey from a village resident to a key figure in Papua New Guinea’s agricultural development is a story of dedication and vision.

John Gaif, President of the Markham Smart Farmers Association and young community leader

John’s early education at Sangan Primary and Markham Valley Secondary schools set the foundation for his passion for agriculture. After attending the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and participating in The Voice Inc. PNG Leadership Development Program, he realized the potential of agriculture to create jobs and empower his community. "I saw that only through agriculture could I create employment for our youths and future generations," John explains.

In 2017, John left university to return to his village and began working with smallholder rice farming initiatives. Through his involvement with PNG Women in Agriculture (PNGWIA) and Trukai Industries, he became a key figure in the Trukai Smart Farmer Program. This initiative eventually led him to establish the Markham Smart Farmers Association, where he now serves as president.

The association quickly grew into a vital platform connecting local farmers with major industry leaders like the University of Technology, Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), and Kokonas Industri Koporesen (KIK). Under John’s leadership, the association launched successful projects, including the Bulb Onion Project,which established model farms in Markham’s four Local Level Governments (LLGs). "We planned to increase the number of bulb onion sites from four to ten this year with government support," John notes.

John’s impact extended beyond rice farming. Through the Marayai Rice Growers Program, local farmers harvested six tonnes of paddy rice from just two hectares, drawing attention from local leaders, who donated a rice mill worth K13,000 to support their efforts. "Inspiring small-scale farmers to have a voice was a significant achievement," John recalls.

Partnerships with Grow PNG, FPDA, and Trukai Industries have helped provide resources and equipment like solar rice mills and power tillers. These collaborations are crucial for sustainable farming practices.

John Gaif showcasing the bulb onion project. A project supported by Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) and the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (Unitech).

Empowering women and youth is at the heart of the Markham Smart Farmers Association. John has focused on providing hands-on training, particularly for women, helping them transition from gardening to commercial farming. “Our mothers appreciate the training we provide, and we’re giving them more opportunities to develop their skills,” he shares.

John’s vision for the future is to make Markham Valley a leader in agriculture, both locally and regionally. He is working to establish a resource center for agribusiness and farmer training, supported by the TVI Clean Generation Grant. “This center will be essential for the future development of farmers in Markham,” John explains.

Despite financial challenges, John remains optimistic, pointing to the partnerships with Grow PNG, FPDA, and Trukai Industries that have helped provide resources and equipment like solar rice mills and power tillers. "These collaborations are crucial for sustainable farming practices," he says.

Looking ahead, John aims to position Markham Valley as the food bowl of Papua New Guinea and Southeast Asia. The association is expanding its projects, including a collaboration with Outspan Ltd. and the University of Technology to rehabilitate cocoa farms and establish ten Budwood gardens. They are also preparing to host the annual World Food Day celebration, an event that highlights local farmers and promotes agriculture in the valley.

For John, agriculture is more than just growing crops. It’s about building leadership and empowering future generations. Through his leadership, John Gaif is turning Markham Valley into a beacon of hope for sustainable agriculture and community development in Papua New Guinea.