An analysis of the aquaculture sector in Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea.

Freshwater fish farming is rapidly growing in Papua New Guinea (PNG), particularly in rural inland areas. It is widely promoted as a food security and income-generating tool to address pervasive malnutrition and support rural development. A number of government, non-government and donor stakeholders are involved in various aspects of the activity. A lack of understanding of the characteristics and current status of the sector has limited the development of strategic directions by the lead government agency responsible, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA). The last sectoral analysis was undertaken in 2003; however, developments since then have changed fish farming and very little is know about the interventions required to sustainably manage it. This study presents a mixed-method approach to characterise the sector and establish a basis for further strategic planning using the Eastern Highlands Province (EHP) as a case study. This study first established factors outside of the aquaculture sector that influenced its development by conducting a Political, Economic, Environmental, Social and Technical (PEEST) analysis. This involved an extensive review of published papers as well as other sources (government reports) due to very little publications on PNG. The next step was a Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. A representative sample of farmers was interviewed throughout the province to gather basic farming data as well as ascertain views on the SWOT factors. A stakeholder focus group workshop was then convened to elicit the views of government, non-government and donor partners involved in aquaculture within EHP. Finally key NFA staff members were interviewed to determine high-level views on the SWOT factors. Descriptive analysis of farming data was undertaken and cross-tabulation of SWOT responses conducted to describe the current status of the sector. The PEEST and SWOT outcomes were then synthesised to characterise aquaculture in EHP, and determine the issues and required interventions. The PEEST analysis showed that politically, aquaculture was captured in major government legislation and key development plans. NFA was identified as the key lead agency in the development of this sector. Widespread policy support fostered the involvement and development stakeholders. PNG’s recent economic growth has influenced the evolution of a subset of semi-commercial operators in the province. The availability of government credit and grants has also influenced interest in fish farming. The natural environment has been conducive to the establishment of aquaculture; however, increased competition for resources, climate change and eventual intensification are threats. Socially, the ability of fish farming to complement rural lifestyle has enhanced its uptake. Its contribution to improving dietary protein levels, and rural development, has further strengthened its role. Increasing population and law and order issues are threats that need to be managed. The introduction of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) and the development of local fish feed are important technical interventions that have changed aquaculture. However, the majority of farmers still lack critical skills, and the lack of technical capacity limits extension services by government. The study presented an analysis of farming data that reflected findings of the PEEST work. The farming data also highlighted the changes in the sector since the last major survey in 2003. This investigation revealed validated SWOT factors that characterised the sector. There were eight significant strengths: the availability of fingerlings; the local production of fish feed; the availability of local expertise; the recognition by government of aquaculture as a tool for rural development; the creation of provincial farmers cooperative; NFAs role as lead government organisation widely recognised; location of HAQDEC in the province; and farmers training courses are established and have been widely utilised. There were also eight weaknesses identified: firstly, farmers lack essential production and management skills; high fish feed cost and inconsistent supply; lack of organised market and associated infrastructure; lack of updated, relevant extension and awareness material along with standardisation of training; the lack of an updated strategic development plan was the most significant weakness; the widespread abuse and lack of monitoring and evaluation of NFA’s PDF grant; the lack of trained personnel to service increasing farmer levels; and finally, the lack of a local aquaculture equipment supplier. Five key opportunities were identified: farmers are receptive to interventions; farmers are willing to work with stakeholders and participate in rural development planning; the natural environment is conducive and predicted increased temperatures will improve fish growth; there is increased demand for aquaculture technology and products; and finally, there is increasing demand for fish feed. Seven significant threats to fish farming in EHP included: weak and deteriorating transport infrastructure and increased cost of living; increasing social (law and order) issues; administrative decisions, slow government process and political decisions negatively affecting programs; cross-border invasive species and farmers lack of awareness on environmental/disease risks; limited range of locally available feed ingredients; climate change and increased natural disasters; and the issue of land tenure which is of particular concern for commercial ventures. Finally, a synthesis of the PEEST and SWOT factors revealed the current status of the fish farming sector in EHP. Aquaculture was widely recognised and supported with the potential to be a major rural development tool. NFA leadership was critical to direct provincial development partners in key areas of extension and research. Findings from this work will enable decision makers in EHP to develop realistic development plans for the sector. This study will also assist NFA management to understand changes in the industry and presents a method that can be used in future sectoral analysis or planning processes. Recommendations presented will aid in the prioritisation of interventions from farmers through to provincial development stakeholders and NFA management levels