EU-STREIT SPURS RURAL REVIVAL

By Naomi TAKOMA, N.C.D

With the restoration of the Rawo-Leitre road under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, rural agribusinesses are bouncing back—and villagers are rediscovering hope.

The road’s rehabilitation has reinvigorated cocoa farming, which had long suffered due to high transport costs and unreliable access to markets. Farmers previously paid up to PGK 100 per trip to Vanimo by boat, often requiring overnight stays due to unsafe sea conditions in the afternoon. Now, with affordable road access, cocoa growers are returning to their blocks.

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and supported by other UN agencies, is further driving this revival. Farmers receive pest-tolerant cocoa seedlings, tools, and training in sustainable agriculture and business management. Upgraded fermentary units and renewable energy solutions are boosting cocoa processing and quality.

Local farmer Penuel Amele shared that excitement has returned to Leitre village. “Every day we see women and children smiling, carrying their wet cocoa beans to sell,” he said. The community fermentary, managed by the Saint Mary’s Cocoa Growers Group, produced 467 kg of dried beans in a single month, earning PGK 6,424. The group reinvests profits to purchase more beans and aims to raise the price from PGK 4 to PGK 5 per kilogram to further encourage cocoa cultivation.

Interest is growing among young people as well. They are helping to distribute Cocoa Pod Borer-tolerant seedlings from local nurseries. Penuel noted, “There’s now more cash in circulation, and with support from EU-STREIT, we’re even planning to build a storage house.”

The impact extends beyond cocoa. The rehabilitated road has opened new opportunities for 81 vanilla farmers and 350 local fishers. Vanilla farmer Desmond Sinene used the road to reach the Batas Market at the PNG-Indonesia border, where he sold 6 kg of beans for PGK 800.

Women in the community are experiencing newfound freedom and mobility. “We the mothers can travel anytime of the day to sell our produce,” said Regina Naro, a farmer and mother trained under the programme.

Motorcycles have become a popular mode of transport, enabling quicker access to farms and town centres. Jalwin Barbare, a local who recently bought a motorbike, said, “Without this road, I would not buy this motorcycle.” More than 10 motorcycles are now commonly seen parked under houses in Leitre village.

This transformation is not only economic—it’s social. The EU-STREIT PNG Programme is also about empowerment, inclusion, and dignity. Young women like Raynatalyn Simewa, who previously had no formal job, now earn a reliable income and are valued members of the community.

With improved infrastructure, training, and market access, rural Sepik communities are not just recovering—they’re thriving.