Disaster Ready program helps community

Framers displaying their products after Climate Smart Agriculture training *(Image: NBC Owned)*

The Disaster Ready program, funded by DFAT through Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP), has made a significant impact in Nagamito community in Lower Bena of Eastern Highlands Province through several initiatives.

The program built the community's capacity through Disaster Risk Management training, leading to the formation of a Disaster Risk Mitigation Committee (DRMC).

The DRMC is leading the community in implementing Disaster Ready initiatives like planting trees, bamboos, and vetiver grass to prevent soil erosion, and promoting Nature-based solutions.

The community also received Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) training, learning climate-resilient farming techniques and receiving climate-smart crops/seeds. They've set up seed gardens as nurseries, multiplying seeds and distributing them to households.

Additionally, they've learned food preservation and storage techniques, and food processing skills to create products like flour from cassava, yam, and banana.

Purple Rice production from grain to plate *(Image: NBC Owned)*

The program also focused on Family Business Management Training, helping families identify income sources and expenses, and set goals like building a permanent house or buying a car.

Some families have joined the Village Savings & Loans Association (VSLA), which has supported economic empowerment and improved livelihoods.

Overall, the program has empowered the Nagamito community to take charge of their disaster risk mitigation and build resilience through sustainable practices and economic initiatives.

Care Humanitarian Project Manager Emily Meren Congratulate the Nagamito Community for their efforts in rolling out the program successfully.