Sago+ team members attend the 2026 PNG Food and Nutrition Conference in Lae

Members of the Sago+ Project team attended on 1-3 July the PNG Food and Nutrition Conference in Lae, Morobe Province, joining researchers, government representatives, development practitioners, civil society organisations and agricultural experts from across PNG to discuss the country's food and nutrition future. The conference created a valuable space for knowledge sharing and collaboration around one of PNG's most important development priorities: ensuring healthy, sustainable and resilient food systems for future generations.

The Sago+ project was represented at the conference through partner organisations involved in the project, including representatives from PNG University of Technology (PNGUoT) and PNG Mining and Petroleum Hospitality Services Ltd (PNGMPHS). The conference provided the attendees an opportunity to learn from existing food security and nutrition initiatives, strengthen professional networks, and identify emerging themes and lessons that may be relevant to the Sago+ Project's work with communities in Western Province.

Strengthening the evidence base for food security

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the continuing challenge of collecting quality agricultural and food security data across PNG. Participants noted that despite decades of effort, significant evidence gaps remain, particularly at the village level where most Papua New Guineans live and produce food.

The unevenness of available quality data puts into perspective the importance of examining  food security issues at a community or village level. The conference highlighted the value of village-based evidence and locally grounded research for informing policies and programs that respond to the diverse realities of communities across the country. These insights align closely with the Sago+ project's commitment to co-design and community-led research approaches in Western Province.

Food systems are diverse and context matters

Conference presentations highlighted the remarkable diversity of food production systems across PNG's agroecological zones. Food production systems vary considerably across the country, requiring locally relevant responses rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Examples discussed included the cultivation of sago in lowland wetland environments and sweet potato production in the Highlands and other regions. These systems demonstrate how communities have adapted food production practices to suit local environmental conditions over generations.

For the Sago+ project, these discussions reinforced the importance of recognising and valuing traditional knowledge alongside scientific and agricultural innovations. Building resilient food systems requires understanding what communities already know and do well, while identifying opportunities to strengthen existing practices through collaborative learning and research.

Traditional foods, culture and climate resilience

As communities face increasing pressures from climate change, changing land use patterns and growing demands on natural resources, conference participants discussed the importance of crops that are resilient, locally adapted and nutritionally valuable.

For team members attending the conference, these discussions highlighted the strong connections between people, culture and the environment.

As one participant reflected on a statement made during the conference:

"Look after the land, and it will, in turn, look after you."

This simple but powerful message captures the reciprocal relationship between people and the environment. Caring for the land and protecting Indigenous food systems such as sago is not only about preserving cultural identity and traditional knowledge; it is also about supporting the long-term health, wellbeing and food security of future generations.

The conference also highlighted how communities continue to adapt their food production strategies in response to environmental and economic pressures. As arable land becomes increasingly constrained in some areas, there has been a tendency for many growers to rely on quick maturing and high yielding hardy crops. While this example is one adaptive strategy, growers still have to consider a plurality of other adaptive strategies to build resilience to climate shocks. 

Learning from community-based food security initiatives

The conference and exhibition booths provided valuable opportunities to learn from organisations working alongside farmers and communities across PNG.

Representatives from organisations including the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and Trukai Industries showcased initiatives focused on strengthening agricultural skills, promoting food security and supporting smallholder farmers to improve livelihoods.

Particularly noteworthy was the Trukai Smart Farmers Program, which supports farmers to develop skills in commercial rice production and provides formal recognition through certificates awarded to participants upon completion of training. Attending Sago+ project members observed that this approach has the potential value of recognising and documenting the contributions of Community Researchers. While no decisions have been made, the model highlighted one possible approach for acknowledging the skills, experience and leadership developed by Community Researchers through their participation in the project.

The team also learned about NARI's Breadfruit project, implemented through the PNG Women in Agriculture & Development Foundation. The project focuses on strengthening skills in breadfruit production, nursery establishment, management and marketing, while promoting the crop's nutritional, commercial and climate-resilient potential.

These examples highlighted the role of training, knowledge sharing and capacity strengthening in supporting local food systems. They also encouraged reflection on ways that future Sago+ activities might contribute to learning opportunities around locally important food crops in Western Province, including sago and breadfruit.

Building connections in Western Province

Team members connected with researchers, practitioners and organisations working across food security, agriculture and nutrition sectors. One particularly relevant connection was with representatives from World Vision's Better and Enhanced Agriculture for Nutrition (BEAN) Project, a five-year Australian Government-funded initiative operating in Delta Fly and Middle Fly Districts of Western Province.

The BEAN project aims to improve nutrition outcomes for children under five years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and people living with disabilities. The discussions with the Sago+ team and BEAN project representatives opened up potential opportunities for future information sharing, particularly given the shared focus on communities in Western Province.

The conference also provided opportunities to connect with fellow researchers, introduce others to the Sago+ project, and build relationships with individuals interested in food security, nutrition, agriculture and community development across Papua New Guinea.

The role of the resource sector in food security

An interesting discussion during the Tok Pisin session highlighted the role that the resource sector can play in strengthening household food security and women’s livelihoods. The session shared examples of women in resource- and mining-impacted communities being supported to make better use of what they already have to generate income and improve household wellbeing. Initiatives such as using drum ovens to bake and sell food, preparing nutritious one-pot meals, and promoting personal hygiene demonstrated how practical skills and locally available resources can support both economic empowerment and healthier households. Food security is not only about food production, but also about livelihoods, income, nutrition, skills and the capacity of women and families to support themselves. This experience also prompted reflection on the often-overlooked contribution of the resource sector to food security, particularly through investments in women's skills, livelihoods, nutrition and community capacity.

Looking ahead

One of the strongest messages emerging from the conference was that addressing food security in Papua New Guinea requires locally grounded solutions, strong partnerships and meaningful engagement with communities themselves.

The conference reinforced the importance of valuing traditional knowledge, understanding local food systems, strengthening evidence from village contexts and creating opportunities for learning and collaboration across sectors.

These themes align closely with the vision of the Sago+ project. Through co-design, community-led research and a focus on strengthening food systems rooted in local knowledge and experience, Sago+ aims to contribute to strong, resilient and culturally grounded food futures in Western Province.

The insights, relationships and ideas emerging from the PNG Food and Nutrition Conference will continue to inform the project's ongoing journey as partners, researchers and communities work together to explore the role of sago and other locally important foods in supporting food security and community wellbeing.

The Sago+ Project thanks Dr Veronica Bue, Leonie Baptiste  and Starza Paul for representing our partner organisations at the conference and for sharing valuable reflections, connections and learning opportunities from the event. Project coordinator Emma Anere also contributed to this project update. 

We also acknowledge the conference funder, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the other collaborative sponsors in PNG, presenters, exhibitors and participants for organising a compelling event.