Twenty carpenters from villages across the Oriomo-Bituri and Morehead local-level governments have completed specialist training to build poultry sheds-an important first step in a new grassroots economic initiative supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership in South Fly District, Western Province.
Under the project, ten communities are recipients of small economic grants and will be supported to establish and manage poultry egg-production businesses.
The Australian High Commission in Port Moresby said in a statement today that the program will deliver building materials to each community so local carpenters can construct their sheds.
“Communities will then receive animal husbandry training, followed by business and financial literacy training to help them manage costs, sales and savings. Participating groups will be supplied with day-old chicks and stock feed until the enterprises are financially self-sufficient.”
In a recent training, participants learned to interpret building plans and apply core carpentry techniques, including tool handling, shed profiling, foundations, framing, roofing and gutter installation. Together they built a demonstration poultry shed designed to house chickens and fitted with a rainwater tank.
Supervisor Dori Gabi said the training focused on practical skills communities can apply immediately. “We worked from the ground up, how to read designs, set out foundations and build permanent structures,” Mr. Gabi said. “The trainees are ready to take these skills home and build sheds that will support local businesses.”
Unig Abua of Wamorong village in OB LLG, a former trade school student, said the blend of theory and practice left him ready to act.
“This is the first project of its kind for my community. I am confident that we can now replicate this building back home, which will help boost income generation for my people.”
Samuel Iaud of the Kulalai-Siod community in OB LLG highlighted the longer-term benefits.
“This project will help to financially support our lives. With that money, we can afford basic essentials like rice and flour, improving our standard of living. We hope to supply not just our community, but outside markets as well.”
Post-training feedback indicated most trainees feel prepared to construct poultry sheds in their wards, with a small number requesting extra guidance on steps such as foundation measurements and roofing; the project team will provide follow-up supervision and technical support across the 10 participating wards.
By investing in practical skills, infrastructure and ongoing mentoring, Australia is supporting remote communities in Western Province to grow local agriculture, strengthen food security and create new sources of household income.