DATA COLLECTION AND MODELLING
Grow PNG has consistently collected data on the agriculture sector in the Markham region and will continue to do so. This data has served as a baseline for the partnership by measuring the impact of the agribusiness sector on smallholder farmers and the broader economy, providing an evidence base for donor investments and policy change. The dataset has been made publicly available to support better decision-making by businesses, especially Working Groups.
THE MARKHAM VALLEY LAND MAP
Grow PNG engaged agritech start-up Enveritas in 2019 to analyze satellite data in the Markham Area. The information captured included weather (annual rainfall, monthly temperatures), terrain (slope, elevation), soil, and other variables that can guide crop selection, planting investments, and agronomic management in the region.
Papua New Guinea University of Technology was also engaged to collect 80 soil samples in the Markham Region and conduct a soil chemical content analysis, specifically looking at nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus content, soil density, and hydrology indicators.
The dataset is now available publicly to support businesses, especially Working Groups, in making informed decisions. The goal of this dataset is to:
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Allow business leaders to make better decisions around crop selection and planning investments in the valley
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Inspire new entrants to invest in the valley
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Provide the data required to drive policy makers, business leaders, farm groups and civil society to work together on sectoral development
MARKHAM HOUSEHOLD INCOME BASELINE SURVEY
Grow PNG engaged the Markham Students and Staff association to conduct a Baseline Household Income Survey, covering three districts of the Markham Valley: Umi-Atzera, Onga-Waffa, and Leron-Wantoat.
The primary objective of the survey is to understand the income levels of various agricultural activities in Markham while also identifying market access problems faced by farmers. Information such as income earned for different crops; the distance travelled to a market; markets they sell their produce to, and availability of space at the markets were analyzed by the survey team.
The report also indicates opportunities for development of certain crops that have the potential for large-scale commercial markets. The report is available on the Grow PNG website.
GENDER MAINSTREAMING
Grow PNG will focus on supporting its partners’ programs and practices that uplift female farmers in the Markham Valley. Assist partners to improve or enhance their own programs by generating awareness, facilitating knowledge-sharing, training, and sharing tools about gender mainstreaming and inclusion. Upcoming plans include:
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Gender Training/Workshop(s) focused on challenges and opportunities for women farmers. Specific topics and modality will be explored based on partner needs, interest, and feedback.
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Identify and document examples of existing gender inclusion practices. These case studies will be distributed across the Grow PNG and Grow Asia network, with a focus on sharing strategies among partners and encouraging greater attention to gender.
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Identify and document examples of successful women farmers, agribusiness owners, agripreneur, and their stories to promote gender inclusion and women’s empowerment practices within PNG and across Grow Asia network.
