Where the money goes

The Pacific

Oxfam Australia works in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, with and through local partner organisations. Our work supports projects in diverse areas, including primary education, youth community theatre, independent media, human rights training and business skills for women.

A story from Papua New Guinea

During the 1989-1998 civil war, a 10-year military blockade prevented food, medical supplies and fuel from reaching Central Bougainville. As a result the people were forced to rely on the jungle for all their living needs.

Farmers of this remote area have since been working tirelessly to repair the damage created by the conflict.

Local farmers are supported by the Melanesian Farmers First Network (MFFN), a community of small-scale agricultural producers in PNG, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, which improve food availability and community health.

Through the MFFN's exchange of ideas, several farmers have begun producing cinnamon, cardamom and chillies, understanding the importance of moving beyond subsistence farming to improve their livelihoods and pay for education and health care.

A continuing roadblock and no-go zone has made access for outsiders difficult and almost impossible during the wet season. Moving quantities of produce means relying on walkers to carry by hand.

We produced one tonne of dried cardamom, but we didn't have the funds to move it," explains Alfonse a local farmer and adviser to MFFN, "By the time we moved it (one year later), it was full of weevils.

However conditions in Bougainville continue to improve, with the introduction of a bi-weekly market which now ensures a steady flow of farmers into Paru Paru with excess produce for sale.

Other ways to help

Aware. A good way to help fund long-term projects in poor communities is by joining our regular giving program aware.

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