CENTRAL-NUKU WOMEN INTO FISH FARMING’ THANKS TO EU-STREIT PROGRAM

By Ricky ISRAEL, Nuku WSP

WOMEN from the Sultongo Cocoa Cooperative Society in Central Nuku, West Sepik province are exploring new opportunities in inland fish farming.

This is made possible through trainings they received from the EU-STREIT PNG program in August 2023.

The program encouraged the women to engage in fish farming as a sustainable livelihood option, which they now see as a viable way to support their families and improve their financial independence.

Following capacity-building and gender equality training, the cooperative has begun breeding two fish varieties: Pandanus or known as plectropomus spp and red freshwater trout.

Project Chairlady, Priscilla Namtane, expressed gratitude for the training and support, and the cooperative looks forward to further assistance from the EU-STREIT PNG program, particularly in obtaining fingerlings and materials to continue their project as the EU strait program will assist them with this next year.

The EU-STREIT PNG program is working to improve the livelihoods of fishers in the Greater Sepik Region, focusing on increasing productivity and profitability in the fisheries value chain, supporting smallholder aquaculture, and ensuring the active involvement of women and youth in sustainable fishing practices.

The women have already made two successful sales, selling 16 fish in the first batch and another 16 from their second batch. Each fish was sold for K7, marking a promising start to their venture.