Waba ‘Ani Agri Partnership Program (WAPP) Officially Launched in Markham Valley
- growpng
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Agriculture remains the backbone of Papua New Guinea’s rural economy, supporting nearly 80% of the population. Yet, challenges such as insecure land tenure, legacy issues from Special Agriculture and Business Leases (SABLs), and limited agricultural partnerships continue to hinder inclusive growth.
In response, Grow PNG, in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) and the Markham District Development Authority (MDDA), has spearheaded the Waba ‘Ani Agri Partnership Program (WAPP). WAPP was officially launched at Mutzing, Kaiapit Lutheran Circuit Hall.
Developed by Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) in partnership with Grow PNG, Waba ‘Ani, meaning “Welcome” in the local Atzera language of Markham, is a Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative that empowers government district officers and community leaders to drive inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.
Following extensive consultations with agribusiness partners, farmer groups, and development agencies, the program was officially launched, with its key partners witnessing the event.
About WAPP
The Waba ‘Ani Agri Partnership Program, whose name means “Welcome” in the local Atzera language, is a comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative. Developed by PNGUoT in partnership with Grow PNG, WAPP equips government district officers and community leaders to train smallholder farmers in:
Land access and management
Gender mainstreaming
Financial literacy and management
Climate-smart agriculture
Sustainable business practices
The program is designed to strengthen smallholder livelihoods, promote investor confidence, and support the transition from subsistence to commercially viable farming.
Key Highlights from the Launch
The launch brought together over 50 participants, including local farmers, district and provincial government officials, agribusiness stakeholders, and development partners. The event featured:
The event was moderated by Ms. Sheila Harou, Social Performance and External Affairs Advisor at Wafi Golpu and a member of the Grow PNG Advisory Council. She welcomed all attendees and highlighted that the program reflects the collaborative efforts of communities, academia, and development partners in empowering farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural growth
Official Opening Address: Markham District CEO, Mr. Willie Pilailo, emphasised the importance of shifting farmers’ mindsets from a consumer-oriented approach to an agribusiness-focused approach and reaffirmed the district’s full support for WAPP.
He introduced the Waba ‘Ani Agri Partnership Program (WAPP) and explained its significance:
" Waba ‘Ani means ‘welcome’ in the local Atzera language of Markham Valley. It reflects the traditional act of inviting a guest or friend to meet under mango trees, symbolising the program’s spirit of partnership between the Markham District, PNG University of Technology, and Grow PNG.
Keynote Address: PNGUoT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ora Renagi, highlighted that agriculture is the foundation of local economies, stressing the importance of applying academic knowledge on the ground to benefit rural communities.
"True development begins when knowledge from higher education is applied to improve living conditions, create economic opportunities, and strengthen self-reliant rural communities. Agriculture, education, and community partnerships are the pillars that can transform rural Papua New Guinea." — Prof. Ora Renagi, Vice Chancellor, Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT)
Why WAPP? Julie Sip, Implementation and Engagement Lead at Grow PNG, explained that WAPP was developed in response to challenges identified through Grow PNG’s work in the Markham Valley, addressing key issues such as limited business partnership knowledge, low financial literacy, and investor concerns over land and management practices.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: Officially launching WAPP, led by Professor Ora Renagi OL, Willie Pilailo (MDDA CEO), Hosea Jr Mailil (Grow PNG), and farmer representative Mr. Tom Francis.
Signing of Letter of Intent: PNGUoT, MDDA, and Grow PNG formalised their partnership and support for the pilot rollout of WAPP’s ToT program in the valley.
WAPP Content Presentation: Mr. Wrondimi, PNGUoT WAPP Project Representative, showcased practical lessons and training modules for farmers and partners. The program integrates land access, gender mainstreaming, financial management, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable business practices, drawing expertise from three PNGUoT schools: Agriculture & Science, Communication & Development Studies, and Surveying & Land Studies. The ToT participants will receive tailored course modules and handbooks to enable village-level training, ensuring the content is practical and community-focused.
Panel Discussion: Focused on WAPP governance post-rollout, covering ownership and district-level management, sustainability and resourcing for certified trainers, and implementation and evaluation to monitor program impact and guide community selection, engaging farmers and partners throughout.
Highlights included:
Mr. Nick Kewa, WAPP Training-of-Trainers (ToT) Trainer, School of Agriculture and Science, Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT):
Highlighted that the Waba ‘Ani Agri Partnership Program (WAPP) will be governed under PNGUoT to maintain consistent quality and ensure long-term sustainability.
Emphasized that this approach avoids fragmented initiatives and builds trust with local communities.
Mr. Willie Pilailo, CEO, Markham District Development Authority (MDDA):
Stressed that sustainability depends on strong partnerships.
Noted that by renewing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and supporting local trainers, WAPP will deliver lasting benefits to farmers.
The panel provided a platform for farmers to voice expectations and concerns, strengthening transparency and trust in program implementation.
Key Outcomes
Formalised Multi-Stakeholder Partnership: Letter of Intent signed between PNGUoT, MDDA, and Grow PNG.
Certified ToT Program: Nine-module curriculum preparing district officers and community leaders to deliver agribusiness training.
Strengthened Pathway for Sustainable Agribusiness: Improving landowner awareness, financial literacy, and investor confidence, while integrating climate-smart agriculture and gender mainstreaming.
Next Steps
ToT Rollout: November–December 2025
Monitoring and Evaluation: Led by PNGUoT and Grow PNG to track community-level impact
Scale-Up Plan: Exploring replication of the WAPP model across other districts in Morobe Province
The Waba ‘Ani Agri Partnership Program represents a major step forward in transforming the Markham Valley into a model for inclusive, investor-ready agribusiness. Through WAPP, knowledge, partnerships, and community action converge to empower local farmers and strengthen sustainable agricultural development across Papua New Guinea.
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