Partnership brings information resources to locals

COCOA farmers in Talasea, West New Britain, now have access to information resources that will improve their understanding of their rights and responsibilities in developing their cocoa industry.
The support was recently provided to farmers as part of an Australian government C4D (Communication 4 Development) initiative designed to empower farmers through information-sharing in meaningful ways leading to long-term behavioural change.
The resources included pull-up banners, flipcharts and leaflets that promote key messages around the importance of awareness, empowerment, collaboration and conservation to better manage the rehabilitation project.
It is expected that the increased awareness and empowerment will lead to a greater collective farmer’s voice and accountability in Talasea as they work together with other industry stakeholders in the provincial administration and private sector.
The Talasea cocoa rehabilitation project is co-funded under the Australian government’s decentralisation and citizen participation partnership (DCP) Kina + Kina project with partner funding from the Talasea administration.
Kate Phillips, third Secretary, decentralisation programme from the Australian High Commission acknowledged the partnership between Australia and PNG in decentralising services to drive local economic and community development.
‘’This cocoa rehabilitation project will help more Talasea people take advantage of the district’s strong private sector and economic base,” he said.
“This project is possible because of Talasea’s strong leadership commitment to improve local governance, clearly defined local priorities and willingness to create new economic opportunities for their people.”