Resource landowners in Amanab sustain future through cocoa farming

Resource landowners of Amanab Blocks 1 to 4 Forest Management Area in Vanimo-Green River district are taking their economic future into their own hands, shifting from logging royalties to sustainable cocoa farming.

More than 20 villages in the remote Amanab area are now participating, with farmers already harvesting beans and expanding their plantations.

The initiative follows an agreement between the PNG Cocoa Board and the landowners, supported through Project Development Benefits (PDB) from 2022 to 2024 to establish cocoa in the project area.

In a major boost for farmers, 15 new cocoa fermentary kits purchased from Agmark in Wewak were shipped to Vanimo yesterday for distribution to Amanab. Another 15 kits plus materials for cocoa nurseries are expected to arrive from Lae soon.

According to Cliff Kolu Cocoa Board Project Officer, the fermentary kits were funded by the resource landowners themselves - a sign of their commitment to the industry.

Representing Block Three of the Amanab FMA, landowner leader Bill Wamisa says the mindset has changed.

"Communities are beginning to see cocoa farming as a sustainable activity that can provide economic opportunities for generations to come. We cannot depend on logging forever," Mr Wamisa said.

"More than 20 villages are now actively participating. We have started harvesting and we are expanding our plantations."

Mr Wamisa said with funding support from PDB and technical assistance from the PNG Cocoa Board and the EU-STREIT Programme, close to 16 farmers are now formally registered as cocoa farmers, with many more showing interest.

"This is new for Amanab. Logging was our main income, but now people are realizing cocoa is our future," he said.

However, he said challenges remain with road access and markets.

"Our biggest problem is road. We need proper road access to bring our beans out and to get markets. We are calling on our local MP and the West Sepik Provincial Government to support us with roads and market access."

PNG Cocoa Board Provincial Manager in Vanimo, Gabriel Kipan, says the Amanab project is progressing well, but needs stronger government backing.

"The project is moving, but we need greater commitment from the provincial government and administration to sustain and expand production," Kipan said.

"In 2024, we signed a Memorandum of Agreement between the West Sepik Provincial Government and the PNG Cocoa Board. We are still waiting for the administration to implement that agreement to support initiatives like Amanab."

Kipan said West Sepik Province is targeting 5,000 metric tons of cocoa by 2030, and Amanab can contribute significantly.

He revealed that almost 3,500 metric tons from farmers in Nuku, Aitape and Lumi have already been sold to buyers in East Sepik, showing the potential.

In a positive step, two cocoa depots - West Sepik Investment and Wilyete Cocoa Depot - were established in Vanimo in 2024, enabling cocoa to now be shipped directly through the Vanimo Port.

"That is a big change. Our cocoa can now go through Vanimo Port. That is the future for West Sepik," Kipan said.

Resource owners say with continued support, cocoa will replace logging as the long-term economic backbone for Amanab.