Measuring Impact

Research that works for developing countries and Australia

 

Value-adding to PNG agroforestry systems

Project ID:
FST/2004/050: Value-adding to PNG agroforestry systems
Collaborating Countries:
Papua New Guinea
Commissioned Organisation:
Australian National University, Australia
Project Leader
Professor Peter Kanowski
Phone: 02 6125 2667
Fax: 02 6125 0746
Email: peter.kanowski@anu.edu.au
Collaborating Institutions:
  • Papua New Guinea Forest Authority, Papua New Guinea
  • Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Papua New Guinea
  • PNG Sustainable Development Program Ltd, Papua New Guinea
  • Village Development Trust, Papua New Guinea
  • Papua New Guinea Ecoforestry Forum, Papua New Guinea
Project Budget:
$912,087
Project Duration:
01/04/2007 - 31/03/2011
ACIAR Research Program Manager
Dr Russell Haines
Project Overview

Everywhere in PNG tree growing and management of trees are incorporated into both traditional and modern farming systems. However, because there has been little incentive to focus on species of commercial forestry value, often such species are ignored. Where a critical mass of resource can be established, commercial tree-growing appears a good prospect for landowners with limited income-generation alternatives. An ACIAR pilot project earlier identified suitable candidate regions and partners, together with tree species and production systems. This project aims to encourage the adoption of commercial-scale high-value tree growing in PNG, developed through a relationship fostered between landowners and selected business partners.

Project Progress Reports
Year One

Progress in the first year of ACIAR Project FST/2004/050 was focused on establishing the foundations for the intensive research phase of the Project, beginning in June 2008. Principal activities comprised the Project Inception Workshop, held at ANU, Canberra, 22-23 May 2007; three visits to PNG collaborators by the Principal Project Scientist, Dr Hartmut Holzknecht, and one by Project Scientists Dr Michael Blyth and Mr Braden Jenkin; the conduct of pilot field research by Project John Allwright Fellow and PhD scholar Kulala Mulung, in conjunction with Ramu Agri-Industries; the establishment of linkages with associated ACIAR Projects (FST/2004/009 - Improved germplasm for forestry and agroforestry; FST/2004/055 Domestication of Canarium indicum; FST/2006/088 Promoting diverse fuelwood production systems); and the compilation of relevant background information and research outputs by Project Scientists and collaborators (in addition to those named above: Dr Michael Bourke, ANU; Dr Andrew McGregor, Koko Pacific; Dr Ruth Turia; PNG University of Technology; Dr Lastus Kuniata, Ramu Agri-Industries; Mr Don Yakuma, Ok Tedi Development Foundation).

The principal outcomes of the first year of the Project were:
confirmation of the most likely candidate species identified in the Scoping Study for the pilot study regions. These are the short-rotation Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus pellita, which are considered as baselines for comparison; the medium-rotation exoticTectona grandis; and the longer-rotation native species Canarium indicum and Instia bijuga. Existing investments in rubber (Havea brasiliensis) in Western Province led to its inclusion in financial analyses as a comparator species;
development and refinement of field survey methods to assess landowners' attitudes to commercial tree growing;
agreement of the Project workplan for the intensive research phase beginning in June 2008.

Project communication activities were focused on those between Project partners, and with other key PNG stakeholders. A paper describing the Project was accepted for presentation at the most relevant international forum, a meeting of IUFRO Working Party 3.08 Small-Scale Forestry, in June 2008.