Sentani, February 7, 2024 – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Indonesia, with Strategic Papua Analysis and Jayapura Regency Government embarked on an initiative to support small farmers engaged in sago production in Jayapura Regency, Papua Province. The project titled "Capacity building of smallholders on improved sago processing and value chains in Jayapura, Papua Province" was officially launched with a field visit and an inception workshop to support sago production—an underutilised food crop in the region.

Sago production in Papua has faced several challenges. Most sago plants grow naturally in swamp lands, which has led to the use of processing methods that may not always meet hygiene standards. Other issues emerge in the communities’ access to markets, which remains limited due to their lack of capacity. In response to these challenges, the latest initiative from FAO, with other local stakeholders aims to assist smallholders improve sago processing. The focus is on enhancing the skills of local communities with sago processing adaptative technology and developing market linkages. This initiative strives to empower communities to effectively market their sago products thereby supporting their livelihoods and family income.

At the heart of this project is the support to Papua Province as a contributor to sago production. FAO targets to enhance both the quantity and quality of sago flour with the potential of contributing to the nation's food diversification plans. The approach involves two aspects: integrating advancements into processing units while simultaneously building the capacities of local communities.

“As our Sentani festival theme last year, “Sago is Life”, we would like to ensure that the sago harvesting doesn’t come at the expense of destroying our forests. This initiative with FAO can help us learn on how to maximise sago production while sustaining sago for our future generation.” expressed Jenny Deda, STP MKP, PLT, Plantation Service, Jayapura Government.

"This endeavour is more than a venture; it represents a journey for the smallholders towards a sustainable livelihood that is free from hunger. By improving the methods for processing sago and expanding their reach in the market, we are not only supporting the growth of the economy but also nurturing the spirit and essence of a community”, said Rajendra Aryal, FAO Representative in Indonesia and Timor Leste.