An integrated approach to a vegetable research, development, extension and training project in a developing country, Papua New Guinea

Vegetables are a major part of the diet in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and demand for temperate vegetables is growing from the emerging middle class and increasing expatriate population. In 2010, we began a number of research, development, extension and training activities (RDE&T) aimed at increasing the capacity of smallholders near Port Moresby to meet this demand. Rapid value-chain analysis (RVCA) and appreciative enquiry (AI) methodologies were used to identify priority activities for production and resource-management research, the locations for such research and activities to improve value-chain performance. AI also revealed socio-cultural constraints and needs for training of participants in the value chain, in particular training of young people and women in production and marketing activities. Production research concentrating on resource assessment, adaptation and performance of selected temperate vegetables were undertaken over 3 years in contrasting environments in Central Province. Training to meet identified needs of key demographic groups (women and their daughters, men and their sons) was designed and implemented. This paper describes the processes used in designing this project and discusses how they can be applied in scoping, designing and implementing any RDE&T project in a developing country.