Year: 2023
Amount: € 5.400,-
Where: Sorong

‘No farmers, no food’ is a statement that is not strange in the context of Papua. Most of the non-urban population lives from agriculture. The Indonesian government invests in the image of farmers and tries to inspire younger generations in Papua for the profession through training and bonuses. So that the island is and remains self-sufficient in terms of food. But as often happens in Papua, local farmers are outcompeted by transmigrants from elsewhere. Avaa – a movement of Papuan farmers in the Sorong area – is able to change this.

The difference in approach between Papuan farmers and those who come from elsewhere is big. Unlike transmigrants, Papuans prefer to rely on local wisdom and their own physical strength rather than modern agricultural tools.

But as valuable as that is, it sometimes puts them at a disadvantage. The farmers united under the umbrella of Avaa are trying to change this. For example, the organization helps local farmers to determine which soil is suitable for which type of crops. But farmers are also taught techniques with which they can increase their harvest. Without losing sight of the value of the Papuans’ own tradition, knowledge and experience.

In 2022, Hapin financed tools and seeds for 84 families so that they could take their business to the next level. Because we are very impressed with Avaa’s expertise, we will support them again this year with the distribution of tools and seeds. Several families spread over 20 communities in the region of Sorong will be helped. The effects are much greater than just an increase in harvest and thus income. Because the value of their land increases, the inhabitants of this region are also less inclined to sell their land to companies that start polluting activities here. Consider, for example, the construction of palm oil plantations. This project is therefore a crucial contribution to the preservation of Papua’s natural living environment.