Executive Summary
The National Food Security Policy 2018-2027 represents Papua New Guinea's dedication to guaranteeing that all citizens have reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food necessary for healthy and productive lives. Acknowledging food security as a fundamental human right and essential to sustainable development, this ten-year strategic framework outlines comprehensive initiatives aimed at enhancing food security for both rural and urban communities.
Central to this policy is the recognition of agriculture's critical role, as over 85% of the population depends on the agricultural sector for sustenance, employment, and income, particularly in rural areas. The policy emphasizes agricultural development as a crucial driver for enhancing food security, nutritional outcomes, and health standards. Priority is given to improving the productivity and yield of key food crops, horticulture, small livestock, and fisheries, along with fostering efficiencies across the food value chain from production to consumption.
However, the policy's focus extends beyond merely increasing food production. It strategically addresses the need for stability and resilience within food production and supply systems to cope with various shocks, including the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, which pose significant threats to food security in Papua New Guinea. A key objective is to enhance accessibility to diverse and nutritious foods, promoting dietary diversity, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and young children, to alleviate malnutrition.
Understanding that food security is inherently multi-sectoral, the policy advocates for coordinated efforts among various government sectors—including agriculture, fisheries, trade, health, education, transport infrastructure, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). It aligns with other national policies, including the National Nutrition Policy, the National Food Safety Policy, the National Rice Policy, and the WASH Policy, creating an integrated approach to addressing food and nutrition security.
An important dimension of the National Food Security Policy is its focus on cultivating robust public-private partnerships. The government acknowledges the essential role of the private sector in enhancing the food economy and developing efficient food value chains. By fostering collaboration, the policy aims to harness agriculture's potential to improve nutrition and health through successful smallholder farming, optimized value chains, the growth of small and medium enterprises, increased income for women, and enhanced child nutrition.
In summary, the National Food Security Policy 2018-2027 outlines a strategic pathway for Papua New Guinea to achieve sustainable food security, contributing to the nation's Vision 2050 of fostering a healthy, empowered, educated, and content population. The policy aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to end hunger, ensure food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Its strategic objectives and collaborative framework aim to establish a food-secure Papua New Guinea where all citizens can unlock their full potential.