Port Moresby, 18 March 2025 — Papua New Guinea’s Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) met with representatives from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and UN Women on Monday, 17 March, to discuss preparations for a new USD 10 million climate-resilient agriculture project funded by the Adaptation Fund.
The project, titled “Adaptation for Small Scale Agriculture” (ASSA), aims to strengthen climate resilience among smallholder farmers by promoting climate-resilient staple crops across three provinces: Enga, New Ireland, and Milne Bay. The four-year initiative will support farming communities in adapting to climate change impacts while improving food security.
DAL serves as the implementing agency for ASSA, marking its first time managing a project of this scale funded through the Adaptation Fund, which provides grants to help countries build resilience against climate risks.
During the meeting, participants discussed delays encountered in starting the project, identifying key challenges and exploring strategies to accelerate implementation. DAL Secretary Dr Serge Bang welcomed GGGI PNG’s ongoing support in mobilizing funding and assisting with project rollout.
Muhammad Ali Shaikh, GGGI’s country representative, emphasised the importance of strengthening national financing mechanisms to efficiently absorb climate funds. He highlighted the efforts by the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) of PNG to establish a National Accredited Entity this year, which would enable direct access to funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
To maintain momentum, DAL plans to convene regular meetings with GGGI, UN Women, CCDA, and other partners to closely monitor ASSA’s progress and resolve any challenges that arise during implementation.
This collaborative approach underscores PNG’s commitment to building climate resilience within its agriculture sector, protecting vulnerable farming communities, and advancing sustainable development.