Food security for the PNG drylands through improved irrigation
- Papua New Guinea (PNG)
- Pacific
ENTRY DATE: 09.03.2012 | LAST UPDATE: 09.03.2012
SCALE:
- Community Level
TARGET AREA:
BEST PRACTICE IN:
- Project Implementation
- Research and Development
KEY SECTOR:
- Agriculture
FUNDING AMOUNT:
- USD 500,001 - USD 1,000,000
Description of Intervention
Papua New Guinea is one of the countries participating in the PACC implement adaptation measures to enhance its long-term resilience to the adverse impacts of climate change. Climate change could pose future problems for PNG. For example, the 1978, 1981/1982 and 1997 /1998 El Nino, events significantly devastated the country''s economy. This project will focus on enhancing, and where necessary, developing adaptation measures for a pilot site in the Central Province, which is often affected by drought on an annual basis.
Problems to be Addressed
• There is inadequate groundwater for successful crop production in the PNG’s drylands;
• Current irrigation systems are not sufficient to cater to agriculture needs; and
• Lack of agricultural produce will lead to food insecurity for the local populations.
Aims
Design underground irrigation systems to assist PNG to adapt to current and projected drought situations that may be aggravated by climate change
Objectives
• To develop a low-cost and low-input irrigation system;
• To construct infiltration galleries to hold water for irrigation during the dry season; and
• To improve and protect soil fertility.
How it fits into the EbA concept
Agriculture production is very sensitive to climate and climate variability. Higher temperatures will raise the upper altitude at which tropical crops can be grown, and affect agricultural productivity, as farmers will be subjected to heat stress and high humidity. This project will enable farmers to adapt to projected climate change through improved irrigation and water retention techniques.