Agricultural research and development on small islands and atolls: the Papua New Guinea experience

Abstract

In the Pacific, food security in small islands and in atoll countries is increasingly under threat from a wide array of socio-cultural, environmental, and economic factors affecting their food production and supply systems. Given that their prospects for export-oriented agriculture and industrial development are severely limited, the solution appears to be to undertake research and development strategies that focus on improving subsistence agriculture and, where possible, cash income opportunities. This article discusses the research and development strategy adopted by the National Agricultural Research Institute in Papua New Guinea to strengthen food security in Papua New Guinea?s small islands and atolls.