Agribusiness PNG

completed

The project has four (4) components: uptake of GAP, access to inputs; access to information and knowledge management for 2 projects. 1). IFC will provide support to lead firms to improve the quality of their farmer training services through extension worker training as well as developing materials on Good Agricultural Practices and financial literacy. 2). IFC will undertake a coffee and cocoa small holder inputs review to help IFC better understand supply chain constraints to accessing tools as well as identify potential business models for supplying inputs to farmers. IFC will then support lead firms and input suppliers to scale up innovative business models to supplying inputs to farmers. 3). IFC will help establish a SMS application for coffee and cocoa farmers in PNG. IFC will initially undertake a mapping and evaluation of SMS applications for agriculture and their applicability for PNG to help define potential business models. IFC will then work to develop the commercial business case for the "SMS for Ag" application and help design technical content, drawn from materials developed under component 1. 4). Knowledge management for 2 projects. IFC will undertake an agrifinance diagnostic study and a trade logistics diagnostic to develop the business case for IFC interventions to address market failures 2 and 3 in FY14. This agri-finance study will: i) assess the current barriers to access to finance; ii) undertake an analysis of current informal agrilending; iii). Undertake an initial value chain analysis of key commodities. The trade logistics diagnostic for PNG agri-commodities will; i) analyze reasons for the delays in export processing; ii) make recommendations on how to streamline processing. After these studies are completed a decision will be made to proceed on whether or not to proceed with a project.