Having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, quality and nutritious food is fundamental to human existence. This is why food security is vital. Food security is a multidimensional concept that is often overlooked. There is a misconception that food security is simply about having access to enough food. Food security is as much about the quality of food as it is about the quantity. Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a National Food Security Policy 2018-2027, which aims to ensure that the country’s commitment to strengthening its food security is sustainable, fueling the people’s wellbeing and quality of life in both rural and urban areas. 

Like all other countries, PNG has its fair share of food security challenges. Significant food security challenges include poverty, limited access to protein-rich foods resulting in high malnutrition rates, and the impact of climate change and disasters. These issues are exacerbated by factors such as limited income sources for many, inadequate infrastructure to both store produce and move produce from the farm gate to the market, and the growing population in rural areas. Migration from rural areas to urban centres can also strain food systems and increase the demand for imported foods, which may be more expensive and less nutritious. Education and awareness campaigns on good nutrition practices are also crucial for improving dietary quality and health outcomes. 

The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in ensuring food security. Agriculture is described as the lifeblood of food security, as it produces food for the people and provides an income for billions of people globally. However, many factors affect the agricultural sector, such as rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns, which impact the planting period and lead to poor yields. Ensuring food security requires enhancing the productivity, sustainability and resilience of the agriculture sector. Other factors that affect food security are natural disasters, population growth and economic struggles.   

To ensure food security for PNG, sustainable farming is encouraged by promoting local crops such as taro, yam and sago and ensuring the resilience of these crops by providing climate-smart agriculture. Providing support to smallholder farmers and backing the government and Non-Government Organisations’ food security initiatives.
Is the PNG Food Security Policy 2018-2027 being effectively implemented, and will the objectives be reached by 2027? Will PNG be able to build sustainable food security for the generations to come?