International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

The 11^th implementation support mission from November 17-21 was headed by World Bank agriculture specialist based in Vietnam, Nathan Belete; and Dan Vadnjal and Agnes Deshormes of IFAD.

They delegation met with coffee processing, exporting firms and NGO groups partnering in the coffee rehabilitation work in Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka and Western Highlands under call 1 and 2.

The objective of the mission was to assess the progress since the last assessment in March with focus on sustainability aspects when World Bank, IFAD and PNG Government funding ends.

The agreements under call 4 proposals will see current and new private sector firms or organisations partner coffee component of Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP) to help farmers improve their coffee gardens with appropriate practices and training.

The project is aimed at improving coffee yield and quality which has declined over the years. At the farmers’ level, it means more income to improve their wellbeing.

The 19 new partnerships will cover additional 15,606 households totalling 7,803 hectares.