Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project

Summary

In Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, cocoa farming has long been integral to local life and the economy. After a decade of civil war, the cocoa industry suffered significant losses. World Vision's Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP) is helping to revitalize the industry by increasing cocoa quality and quantity. Through training and sustainable practices, farmers are improving their yields and earning higher prices. This initiative not only boosts the cocoa industry but also improves the livelihoods of farmers, contributing to the well-being of families and the broader economy of Bougainville.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cocoa farming has been a vital part of Bougainville's economy and way of life for decades, even before the civil war.
• 😀 The civil war (ending in 1998) devastated cocoa crops, infrastructure, and the agricultural knowledge of the community.
• 😀 The World Vision Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP) works to rebuild the cocoa industry and improve livelihoods in the region.
• 😀 PPAP aims to enhance the quality and quantity of cocoa production, focusing on sustainability and resilience for farming communities.
• 😀 World Vision partners with government agricultural departments and export partners to provide technical training and support to farmers.
• 😀 Farmers are trained from the initial planting of cocoa beans to the point of transporting the harvest to buyers, ensuring high-quality production.
• 😀 Key factors in cocoa quality include proper fermentation, moisture levels, and careful handling during transport to meet global market standards.
• 😀 The PPAP project has already led to increased cocoa production, with Bougainville's output growing from nearly 20,000 tons pre-crisis to over 50,000 tons annually.
• 😀 Improving cocoa quality allows farmers to earn higher prices for their produce, benefiting both their families and the local economy.
• 😀 By investing in the PPAP project, cocoa farming families gain more stable and resilient livelihoods, enabling them to provide better well-being for their children.

Q & A

What is the significance of cocoa farming in Bougainville?

Cocoa farming has been a crucial part of Bougainville's economy for many years, with deep cultural and economic ties to the community. It has provided livelihoods and played a central role in the region's agricultural practices since the mid-1950s.

How did the civil war affect cocoa farming in Bougainville?

The civil war, which ended in 1998, caused the loss of cocoa crops, infrastructure, and valuable knowledge. Many farmers lost their cocoa blocks, homes, and livelihoods, severely impacting cocoa production in the region.

What challenges did farmers face when the PPAP project began?

When the PPAP project started, there was a lack of unity among farmers, and cocoa production was very low. Farmers were facing challenges due to the loss of infrastructure, the disruption of traditional farming practices, and a lack of technical knowledge.

What is the goal of World Vision's Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP)?

The goal of the PPAP is to increase both the quality and quantity of cocoa production in the Pacific region, while also enhancing the sustainability and resilience of farming communities.

Who are the key partners involved in the PPAP project?

World Vision is the primary implementing NGO partner in the PPAP project. It works closely with the agricultural department of the government, as well as export partners who provide training and technical skills to the farmers.

How does World Vision assist farmers in improving cocoa production?

World Vision provides training from the ground up, starting with the planting of cocoa seeds. This includes guidance on growing rootstock, grafting, pruning, planting spacing, shade management, and proper harvesting techniques to improve both quality and quantity.

What are the key factors that influence cocoa quality for the global market?

The main factors influencing cocoa quality include proper fermentation, moisture levels, and correct packaging. Cocoa must be carefully handled from the moment it is harvested until it is transported to buyers to meet the standards set by large cocoa buyers.

How has the PPAP project helped farmers increase cocoa production?

Before the crisis, cocoa production in Bougainville was around 20,000 tons per year. With the help of the PPAP project, farmers now produce up to 50,000 tons annually, thanks to improved farming practices and better access to markets.

Why is the proper fermentation of cocoa beans important?

Proper fermentation is crucial because under-fermented or over-fermented beans can negatively affect the quality of the cocoa, making it harder to sell and reducing the quality of chocolate produced. Buyers have strict quality requirements, which include correct fermentation.

What benefits does the PPAP project bring to cocoa farming families in Bougainville?

The PPAP project not only helps farmers produce better cocoa, leading to higher prices but also contributes to the quality of life for farming families. With more resilient livelihoods, families can sustainably provide for their children's well-being, improving their overall standard of living.