Farming as a Business-Waba 'Ani Agri Partnership Program(WAPP)
The Waba’Ani Agri Partnership Program (WAPP) was officially launched on 29 October 2025 at the Kaiapit Lutheran Hall in Mutzing, Markham Valley, bringing together more than 50 stakeholders from the agribusiness sector, Morobe Provincial and Markham District authorities, civil society organizations, women leaders, research institutions, landowners, and farmer groups within the community.
The WAPP is designed for communities that have been assessed and are ready for potential agricultural investment and partnerships. It integrates key learnings and modules from Grow PNG’s existing initiatives, including the Land Access Guide Training of Trainers, Gender Mainstreaming Program, Financial and Digital Literacy Training, SME Development Program, and the “Farming as a Business” Training. Insights gathered from field engagements have revealed a significant gap in knowledge and understanding of business requirements among landowners—often resulting in unsuccessful partnership deals and leaving large tracts of agricultural land underutilized.
The Waba’Ani Agri Partnership Program, derived from the local Markham language meaning “welcome” or “welcome to the dialogue,” seeks to bridge these gaps by strengthening the capacity of landowner-farmers to approach farming as a business. It aims to equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage meaningfully in agricultural investment partnerships, setting a foundation for sustainable growth and inclusive development in the Markham Valley.