WITH a primary focus on addressing unemployment, representatives from Morobe’s
Wau-Waria Development Authority, led by MP Marsh Narawec, recently visited the China-Aid Juncao Technology and Upland Rice project demonstration base in Goroka, Eastern Highlands. Their mission was to explore the potential of mushroom farming as a sustainable income-generating venture for their district.
During the visit, the delegation observed agricultural activities firsthand, with particular
attention to mushroom cultivation. The similar climate, geography, and topography
between the Eastern Highlands and Wau-Waria suggest that this initiative could be highly promising for the district.
This project has the potential to engage Wau-Waria’s unemployed and unskilled youth in meaningful work, providing them with a sustainable source of income. The delegation received a warm welcome from Professor Lianhui Xie and his team, as well as Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia, who expressed strong support for the initiative. Governor Sia stated, “I am pleased to support this project and to see it come to fruition in Wau-Waria. It is a process, and I am committed to working progressively towards making it a reality.”
The Wau-Waria Development Authority is considering mushroom farming as a key component of its youth retention projects, pending a scoping and feasibility study by Professor Xie’s team. This initiative is designed to complement the ongoing K2 million Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP), which aims to tackle the district’s alarming unemployment rate among youth aged 15 to 35, totaling 18,742.
The Wau-Waria Development Authority’s interest in mushroom farming goes beyond
a novel agricultural pursuit; it is a strategic move to address a pressing social
issue—youth unemployment. With 18,742 young people in the district identified as
both unemployed and unskilled, the need for innovative solutions is urgent.
Mushroom farming presents a unique opportunity. It’s not only a viable agricultural venture due to the district’s favorable climate and geography but also a sustainable one. By engaging youth in this sector, Wau-Waria can offer them a chance to build skills, earn a steady income, and contribute to the local economy.
However, for this project to succeed, it must be more than just a one-off initiative.
The Authority must ensure that it is integrated into the broader Youth Empowerment
Programme (YEP) and that it receives the necessary resources and support. This
includes the successful execution of the scoping and feasibility study, as well as
ongoing technical assistance from experts like Professor Xie.
Moreover, the government and stakeholders must view this project as part of a larger
strategy to diversify the district’s economy. While mushroom farming can create immediate job opportunities, the long-term goal should be to build a resilient agricultural sector that can withstand external shocks and continue to provide employment.
The Wau-Waria initiative is a step in the right direction, but its success will depend on sustained commitment, strategic planning, and community involvement. If executed well, it could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges, demonstrating that with the right approach, even the most daunting social issues can be addressed.