Papua New Guinea agricultural and climate crisis

Papua New Guinea is experiencing significant agricultural and resource challenges driven by long-term production declines and climate-related events. For over two decades, the nation has faced a downward trend in agricultural output, moving away from a historical plantation and semi-commercial farming system. While various government and international interventions have been attempted to promote resilience and sustainable practices, the sector remains vulnerable.

These vulnerabilities have been intensified by the El Niño weather phase, which has triggered severe droughts and water shortages, particularly in the Central Province and the National Capital District. The drought has caused widespread crop damage, dried up water sources, and led to school closures in some areas. In Port Moresby, infrastructure malfunctions have resulted in frequent water outages, while arid conditions have increased the prevalence of fires.

In response to the escalating food and water security crisis, Central Governor Ruffina Peter has allocated 5.3 million kina to assist communities, though she noted that a full-scale response would require approximately 40 million kina.