| Bibliography |
Hamago, M. (2025) Women’s experiences as agricultural extension officers in Papua New Guinea: challenges and contributions in coffee, cocoa and oil palm, In: PNG Coffee Journal, Vol.16 (1), 30-36, URL: https://pacificlivelihoods.com/special-issue-journal-publications |
| Abstract / Content summary |
Agricultural extension is central to improving smallholder productivity, yet in PNG it remains a male-dominated field in which women’s roles as both farmers and professionals are undervalued. This paper examines the experiences of female agricultural extension officers (FEOs) working in PNG’s three major export crop industries—coffee, cocoa, and oil palm—with emphasis on coffee as the most significant smallholder cash crop. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork in Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, and West New Britain provinces between 2017 and 2018, the study documents recruitment pathways, work roles, and constraints faced by twelve FEOs, alongside perspectives from male officers, female farmers, and participants in a graduate training program. Findings reveal that FEOs confront persistent institutional and cultural barriers, including limited resourcing, negative workplace attitudes, and gendered community norms. Yet their presence is vital in enabling women farmers to access training, voice their concerns, and adopt new agricultural practices. Comparative evidence from cocoa and oil palm shows that these challenges are systemic across export crop sectors, though coffee illustrates them most clearly. The study highlights the dual role of FEOs as professionals navigating discrimination and as agents of change advancing women’s inclusion in agriculture. Strengthening the status of FEOs, expanding their numbers, and addressing institutional inequities are essential for improving extension delivery and gender equity in PNG agriculture.
Keywords: women; gender; agricultural extension; labour constraints; smallholders; export crops |