Enhancing private sector-led development of the canarium industry in PNG Phase 1
Background
Indigenous nuts have great potential to improve the livelihoods and food security of the rural poor in developing countries.
This project demonstrates in a very practical way, the impact that a new nut industry can have on a country when detailed research is conducted on all levels of the value chain, from consumer demand, sales research and market development in retail channels, right back to product development, processing techniques and sourcing from rural communities. The work done by the University of Adelaide has led to the launch of a range of commercial Galip nut products. The sale of these products has demonstrated sustainable demand, attracted new private sector investment into a brand new industry in Papua New Guinea and contributed to the livelihoods of more than 1300 farmers and entrepreneurs who sold fruit and raw nuts to the demonstration factory.
Project objectives
The objectives of this project are to:
- Assess the needs of the private sector to participate in the canarium industry
- Develop and undertake research-based interventions that address the needs of the private sector including smallholders, small scale entrepreneurs (especially women) SMEs, and large scale processors
- Develop an appropriate commercial model for a medium scale value adding factory for the canarium industry
- Create a model for public- private partnerships in the canarium industry in PNG
Project materials and outputs
Positive outcomes:
- First launch of an indigenous nut grown and processed in Papua New Guinea provides a sense of pride and ownership in the future of agriculture.
- The establishment and launch of the Galip Nut Company brand (creating local opportunity and empowering communities) and consumer product range provides access to thousands of new consumers who can enjoy a food safe, nutritious nut, all year round.
- Cash crop provides new income for thousands of subsistence farmers in East New Britain to supplement livelihoods.
- Encouraged the emergence of 4 new private sector investors attracted by the research outcomes to invest in processing facilities & new market development of consumer brands to access local and export markets.
- Import replacement of imported nuts with significant long-term opportunities for exporting and plantation investment to supplement coffee and cocoa agribusiness sectors by regional communities
Project partners
Collaborating institutions:
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
- National Agricultural Research Institute, PNG
Funding:
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR project FST/2014/067) [May 2015-May 2018]
Contact
GFAR researchers involved in this project: