The Nasuapum Cooperative Center cocoa drying facility built at cost of PGK 70,000.This solar drier in the front is the biggest of all manufactured driers for the project.

Small holder cocoa farmers from the Huon Gulf District hosted Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Board and executive members to share ideas for community development by showcasing their cocoa drying facility.

The visit saw the Nasuapum Cooperative Center showcase the village’s cocoa drier facility funded by WafiGolpu Joint Venture (WGJV). The visit was arranged by Mr. David Masani Community Affairs Manager for WGJV Project.

Nasuapum Cocoa Cooperative Chairlady Mrs. Namoatz Apollo and Apollo Elliot Cooperative Center Manager presented to the visiting OTDF team the idea which the WGJV Project community affairs team term as the Trupla Morobe story. The husband and wife team from the Huon Gulf District of Lae Morobe Province, established the Nasuapum Cocoa Co-operative, an endeavor aimed at transforming the lives of their community. With more than 50 active members, including women and youth, the co-operative is a reflection of grassroots development through agriculture. In 2023 alone, the group earned K70,000.00, reinvesting in critical infrastructure projects like solar lighting for local schools.

Supported by the (WGJV) and the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea, empowers local farmers to become self-sufficient, generating economic stability through sustainable cocoa farming practices.

According Mrs. Apollo, as the co-operative grows, it contributes to education, infrastructure, and skills training, reflecting the founders’ vision of self-reliance and progress.

The visit allowed OTDF officials to witness firsthand the co-operative’s transformative impact on local people and infrastructure.

Before proceeding to Nasuapum village project site, the OTDF team were shown the WGJV Project Information Center in the heart of Lae, and the production facility managed by the PNG Cocoa Board where the Solar Powered Cocoa Driers were being fabricated by a local team managed by Roy Pinjo of AP & Son fabrication team.

The visiting OTDF Team with the Nasuapum Cooperative Center members 

This cocoa co-operative highlights the power of local entrepreneurship, innovation, and partnerships to bring lasting improvements to remote areas. It demonstrates how smallholder farmers, with the right support, can create sustainable change for generations to come.

 

OTDF Media