EU-STREIT PNG Programme Boosts Livelihoods For 13,000+ Fisher Folks In Papua New Guinea

Wewak, Papua New Guinea – To enhance and strengthen the fisheries sector, the EU-STREIT PNG Programme recently equipped 91 fishing groups across the greater Sepik region with vital resources. The Programme completed the distribution of 50 new engine-mounted craft boats to coastal and island groups and delivered 200 robust fishing canoes to riverine communities. This support directly benefits a total of 13,000+ fisher folks that depend primarily on fishing for their livelihoods and wellbeing.

Vital Equipment Delivered to Coastal and River Communities

Coastal and island groups each received one 23-foot craft boat equipped with a 40 HP outboard engine, along with fishing and safety gear. Riverine fisher groups, predominantly located along the Sepik River, received between one and five canoes per group based on their size and membership. These plastic canoes are durable, strong, and designed to last in various water conditions without weakening or breaking. Essential accessories, including fish baskets, 200 and 800-litre cooler boxes, and solar kits, were also provided to riverine groups.

“These fishing communities are located in some very hard-to-reach places, and they depend mainly on fishing. Hence, this support is crucial to increase their catches for household consumption as well as for sale to improve their livelihood and well-being,” explained Mr Mohammed Zakir Hossain, the Programme Fisheries Officer.

Mr Job Opu, the Programme’s National Fisheries Value Chain Officer, added, “This intervention is also an essential means of transportation and delivering both the fresh and processed fish to sell at the nearest markets.”

Empowering Women and Strengthening Household Livelihoods

Recognizing their critical yet under-acknowledged roles in the fisheries value chain, women, including widows, were key beneficiaries of this support. Among them were 57 mothers from the Kararau Cooperative Society Group in Angoram District, East Sepik Province, an area hosting nine large lakes vital for fishing. Upon receiving two canoes, women's spokesperson Ms Ruth Kami expressed their gratitude: “We get up very early in the morning and paddle out to the lakes to deploy our fishing nets and check the nets late in the afternoon. For some our husbands have died and cannot help us with dugout canoes. Thank you so much.”

The Kandangapma Women’s Business Group (150 members) from Angoram Service Camp, situated along the Sepik River, also benefited from this initiative. Receiving three canoes on behalf of her group, Chairlady Ms Tina Savinio stated: “Through the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, we are able to get this support. The canoes will help our mothers in the village with the supply of protein, fish and also to provide some income in fish marketing.”

At the handover event for the Kandangapma group, the Programme’s Gender & Youth Inclusion Specialist, Ms Patu Shang, remarked on the intended impact: “We hope these canoes and accessories will help to increase their fish catch and also the amount of fish they can process and smoke to bring to the markets. In addition, the more catch will help with the nutrition of their family. We hope that these materials will contribute to their economy as well as their livelihood.” Ms Shang further explained the focus on inclusion: “When men and women work together, there is inclusion and every body is in the game for a sustainable development.”

Strategic Approach and Capacity Building for Sustainable Results

Attending the canoe distribution in Wewak, East Sepik Deputy Governor Mr David Kausik thanked the EU-funded initiative: “On behalf of the East Sepik Provincial Government, I want to say thank you to EU-STREIT PNG Programme.” He urged recipients: “I appeal to all our fishing farmers to make use of the boats for fishing work and bring the results back to our province. Use the boats for the purpose you have been trained for by the Programme.”

The recipient groups were selected based on criteria agreed upon between the Provincial Fisheries and Marine Resources Offices and the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. These groups have received capacity building, including training in improved fishing techniques, and were equipped with facilities for better fish production, processing, and marketing.

This support initiative follows a fisheries value chain study commissioned by the Programme and conducted by the PNG National Fisheries Authority (NFA). The study identified challenges faced by key actors in the Sepik region's fisheries sector (aquaculture, riverine, and coastal) and informed upgrading strategies and investment plans.

Fish is a critical source of nutritious protein for rural communities in the Sepik and is one of three key value chains supported under this comprehensive rural agri-food development Programme.

About the EU-STREIT PNG Programme

The EU-STREIT PNG, being implemented as a United Nations Joint Programme by FAO, ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP, is the European Union's largest grant-funded initiative in the country. It focuses on boosting sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas. This is achieved by FAO’s support in enhancing economic returns and opportunities within cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains. Additionally, the Programme strengthens and improves the efficiency of value chain enablers, including access to ICT by ITU and digital financial services by UNCDF. ILO also supports the development of sustainable, climate-resilient roads and other transport infrastructures while UNDP provides renewable energy solutions. The Programme benefits two provinces: East Sepik and West Sepik.

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