Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities

Eighteen chairladies and their secretaries representing the Upper, Middle, and Lower Fly Middle Fly Villages gathered at the Cassowary Hotel in Kiunga on 19 November for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Middle Fly Women and Children Association. The event, supported by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), brought together women leaders who continue to play a vital role in driving community development across the 18 MF Villages.

The AGM served as an important forum for reviewing progress made throughout the year, addressing administrative challenges, and reinforcing the principles of good governance within the association. It also offered a space for the leaders to reflect on how their work aligns with broader community development goals facilitated through OTDF partnerships.

A key component of the meeting involved a guided review of the association’s constitution and operational guidelines. Ms. Bala Tedumo, Community Development Officer for Middle Fly, led this session, walking the women through the proposed changes and discussions. She encouraged the leaders to embrace transparency and accountability as pillars of their leadership.

“The way forward for you women to lead with good governance is to be transparent and stand as a partner in development,” Ms. Tedumo emphasised.

Her message set the tone for the day, reminding participants of their influence within their communities and the importance of strong governance structures to guide their decisions.

Association President, Mrs. Charlotte Matthews, commended the chairladies and secretaries for their resilience and commitment throughout the year. She acknowledged the challenges often experienced during discussions and decision-making processes but highlighted how these moments strengthen leadership capacity.

“Thank you, Chairladies and secretaries, for being harsh sometimes and arguing with us. Those are the things that we use to help correct and shape us to be better leaders,” Mrs. Matthews said, drawing appreciative smiles from the room.

One of the meeting’s most inspiring contributions came from Mrs. Regina Albert, Chairlady for Aiambak, who called on the leaders to embrace unity and mutual support as they carry out their responsibilities.

“Let us work together and not in isolation! We have willingly put our hands up to be leaders so let us not be complacent and go out and do what’s best for our communities with heart,” she urged.

Her encouragement reinforced the shared belief that leadership is not an individual endeavour but a collective commitment to improve the quality of life for families and children throughout the region.

The AGM concluded with renewed motivation among the participants, who collectively endorsed the revised constitution and pledged to continue strengthening the association’s work. Participants expressed gratitude for the support provided by OTDF, acknowledging the Foundation’s ongoing role in empowering women and connecting communities to sustainable development opportunities.

More than 30 residents from Mepu Community in Kiunga, Western Province, have received over 100 pieces of African yam minisetts and NARI taro suckers (4 varieties; NT1, NT2, NT5, NT6) for planting as part of the Ok Tedi Development Foundation’s (OTDF) ongoing Food Security Program.

The distribution and one-day agricultural extension field demonstration were held on November 10 and hosted by the Mepu SDA Church. A total of 37 participants attended from Mepu and nearby areas including Seven Kona, Mission Kona, and Rubber Kona.

According to OTDF’s Food Security Program, Agriculture Extension Officer, Jethro Robert, the initiative aims to ensure that local communities have a consistent and sustainable supply of starchy food throughout the year. “Our focus is on encouraging households to grow drought-resistant and high-yield crops that can withstand harsh weather conditions,” Robert said. “African yams, in particular, have proven to be resilient and suitable for Western Province’s varying wet and dry seasons.”

Robert added that after three years of field trails in Middle Fly & South Fly, the African yam has shown strong adaptability to local soil and climate conditions, producing reliable yields even in challenging environments. “The crop’s resilience makes it an ideal source of food security for our rural communities,” he explained.

During the field demonstration, participants learned the practical planting and soil preparation techniques to improve productivity. Many mothers who received the yam seeds and taro suckers were overjoyed and eager to learn the basics of cultivating these crops. Their excitement reflected a growing commitment among families to strengthen household food production and reduce dependence on store goods.

L-R OTDF Food Security Officer Minister Gibson Totona and his wife, Marlin Gibson

Minister Gibson Totona and his wife, Marlin Gibson, were also excited to be part of the program. Minister Totona expressed deep appreciation to OTDF and its partner, the North Fly District Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), for their collaboration in supporting rural farmers. “This partnership is helping our people grow their own food and become self-reliant,” he said.

As part of OTDF’s follow-up plan, the team will return after one year to demonstrate seed multiplication techniques for African yam and NARI taro.

Through initiatives like this, OTDF continues to promote sustainable agriculture and improve food security across Western Province.