THE country’s agriculture has great potential as shown by the cocoa industry in Bougainville where an average family income increased from K1,695 to K4,319.
Sam Spurrett, development manager of Coffey International Development, gave an example of the organisation’s achievements in various projects carried out in the country.
Mr Spurrett presented three case studies during the 7th PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum seminar in Port Moresby yesterday that included Coffey’s redevelopment of the Mt Hagen market in Western Highlands, the construction of classrooms and other school infrastructure across the country and the cocoa industry in Bougainville.
On cocoa, Coffey ventured into downstream processing projects on the island.
“Before the crisis in Bougainville, much of the wealth generated from the cocoa industry was kept in the hands of larger plantation holders and entrepreneurs who bought from growers wet cocoa beans, generally at lower prices.”
“After the crisis, cocoa production increased … the goal of the (Coffey) project was to advance the economic rehabilitation of communities on Bougain-ville,” Mr Spurrett said.
He pointed out the significant increase in family income, wherein mini-cocoa fermentaries and dryers introduced by the programme allowed families to process their own cocoa and sell as dry beans directly to exporters.
“The introduction of small processing facilities had meant better wealth distribution throughout the community,” he said.