Kanta is a remote rural community of Nebilyer Valley in the Western Highlands Province, faces high poverty rates, low agricultural productivity, and minimal market access.
Small-scale farmers, especially women and youth, lack the capacity, resources, and support to transition into sustainable livelihoods. The community consists of fertile land and motivated mothers and youth who are willing to be part of developing their community given the opportunity.
The project aims to introduce high value crops like bulb onion and train farmers using modern farming methods to increase productivity and income, boost agricultural productivity by introducing climate-resilient and resource-efficient farming practices.
Being awarded the Rural Value-adding Small Grants, the project aims to bridge the gap between potential and prosperity through four key pillars:
- Social Peace: We believe that when youth are engaged in productive, income-generating work, community peace follows naturally.
- Modern Farming Techniques: Moving beyond the basics to introduce zero tillage and integrated pest management.
- Capacity Building: Through our Farmer Field Schools, we are turning local plots into classrooms for financial literacy and technical skills.
- Market Linkages: Partnering with the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) to ensure that when the harvest comes, our farmers have a direct line to buyers.
Securing pressure sprayers, specialized netting, and essential tools.
By promoting the use of high-yielding and drought-resistant crop varieties, integrated pest management (IPM), organic and bio-fertilizer usage, precision farming techniques, and the adoption of conservation agriculture methods such as zero tillage and crop rotation.
Farmers will be trained to use data-driven tools like weather forecasting and soil health cards to make informed decisions, thereby increasing overall efficiency and output.
Engaging youths and mothers in the community and empower them to be come resourceful citizens to contribute meaningfully to the community.
They have land and labour available, once we provide the necessary skills and tools, they will surely flourish.
The project initially targets about 2O families ,8 youths and 12 mothers but more will join as we continue.
Fresh Produce Development Agency, Mt Hagen Office (FPDA) has visited the farmers and is available to assist with technical assistant and tools for every step of the way. By involving the Ward Development Committee and local youth groups, we are ensuring that when the grant cycle ends, the knowledge and the income-generating power stay in Kanta.
About Youth At Work Inc.
Youth At Work Inc (YAWI) is a registered Non-Government Organization (NGO) in Papua New Guinea, focusing on Advocacy for Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Education for All (EFA).
Established in 2016, YAWI operates under the Dakar Framework for Action, aiming to implement programs using PYD and EFA approaches across all sectors.
The organization’s mission is to enhance the capacity of youth-led and youth-serving institutions and engage young people, their families, and communities to help youth reach their full potential.
The key focus areas of the organisation are as follows 1. Education 2. Community engagement 3. Advocacy 4. Research
YAW is a registered member with PNG Education Advocacy Network (PEAN) and a member of the Asia South Pacific Association for Basic and Adult education (ASPBAE)
Youth At Work Inc. is one of the successful 30 grantees of the Rural PNG Value-Adding Small Grants – Round 1 2025. We are excited about their progress and the work that they are doing in their communities.
