Overview
Smallholder farming families are the backbone of food production in Papua New Guinea. For generations, they have fed their families through subsistence farming but increasingly, they must meet important family expenses such as health care and education. The burden is often felt deepest by rural women who undertake most of the farming activities, while attending to social roles and caregiving.
A succession of ACIAR-supported research has shown that families are more effective and profitable in their farming activities when men and women work together across generations - leading to the concept and practice of family farm teams.
The series of 'Maria's family' was developed as a learning resource for the project 'Examining women's business acumen in Papua New Guinea: Working with women smallholders in horticulture' (ASEM/2010/052), led by the University of Canberra. Subsequent projects have used the format to extend research findings to smallholder farmers and communities.
The picture-book style presents key messages that are evidence-based and drawn from research findings. The story is built on the concept of a family team where women and men share decision-making about the farm and family. The text is presented in English and Tok Pisin.
Through 'Maria’s family' parents can engage in reading activities with their children while the books reinforce smallholder farm business principles. In many cases, the books also help develop literacy skills of both adults and children.
Hard copies of the book are distributed to community organisations and learning groups in rural areas of Papua New Guinea.
Other titles in the series
Maria's family saves their kina
Maria's family raises chickens
Maria's family goes to market - Western Highlands edition | East New Britain edition
Maria's family plans for a new baby
Maria's family grows galip
