Identification of Economic Benefits of Taro Cultivation for Small Scale Farmer Communities in Papua New Gunia, a Study based on Markham District in Morobe Province

Abstract

The taro plays a vital role in contributing to rural economic growth and development in Papua New Guinea (PNG); however, the subsistence nature of its farming practices has hindered improvements in productivity and non-usage of modern agricultural practices, and emerging new technologies, which led to the unsustainable low-volume of supply which restricts access to export markets. In this context, this research aims to evaluate the challenges in taro cultivation and marketing practices. This study employs quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches, collecting data through 50 local taro farmers in Markam village in Morobe Province and interviews with key stakeholders in the taro value chain. The primary methods for analyzing this data are multiple regression, ANOVA analysis and focus group discussions. The findings indicate that taro farming has raised the income levels of rural households, thereby enhancing food security within the community and leading to improved nutritional, economic, and social stability in these areas. The main themes identified are the impact of climate change, the non-availability of agricultural inputs, and the non-existence of economic success factors. Furthermore, taro production is limited by several other challenges, including restricted market access, high transportation costs, and fluctuating prices in urban markets. Moreover, insufficient government extension service support throughout the supply chain is the main barrier to advancing this critical crop to the next higher level. The policy recommendations include further promoting the cooperative model for both cultivation and marketing, employing new marketing strategies through cooperative societies to improve market access, developing rural road infrastructure, addressing issues related to the climate changes on production, government intervention through the provision of reliable extension and training services, awareness programs on modern technology and updated cultivation methods for farmers, as well as offering additional financial and marketing assistance to strengthen this nationally important symbolic food crop in PNG.