The nation-wide El Niño drought has had a devastating effect on agricultural food production in the Gogol area of Madang.
Ward 9 councillor Peter Kunou said food security of the Derin people whom he represents is at stake as food gardens are not producing enough to feed households.
"We are having one meal a day rather than two or three meals as usual," Kunou said.
"Usually when a mother returns from the garden, she brings home food that can keep the family going for three to four days."
But now whatever is harvested can feed a family for a day only and women have to go to the garden again for the next day, Kunou said.
He said the prolonged drought had affected soil moisture and food crops were not giving good yields, adding that the community had also not received any support from authorities.
The leader said the food shortage is affecting the well-being of the community.
Kunou said that water sources had also dried up, however they were using biosand filters introduced by NARI to purify any available water for consumption which is helping in that regard.
Photo: ABG president john momis