Aiming to Improve the Livelihoods of the Residents -Walking Together with the People of Kwikila-

[Goal 1]No Poverty
SDGs
[Goal 8] Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDGs

2025.10.22

Located about two hours by car from Port Moresby, Kwikila is a town at the center of Rigo District in Central Province, known for its banana cultivation. Around 5,000 people live here. For two years, JICA Volunteer Mr. Nishigaki worked with local residents to explore ways for them to gradually improve their lives through their own efforts.

When he first arrived, he noticed that cash income was unstable and that people had little habit of planning how to use their money. Many residents felt they “did not have enough money,” yet had few opportunities to review their daily spending. Some tried to start poultry or pig farming to increase income, but only a few were able to access loans. Nishigaki aimed not to provide external aid, but to draw out the strengths that already existed within the community.

Thinking About Money Together
The main focus of his activities was a series of workshops on household budgeting. He organized about 15 sessions in churches and community halls, with a total of 200 participants. Through simple exercises such as “let’s try keeping a household account book” or “let’s record food expenses for one week,” gradual changes began to appear in people’s attitudes.

One day, a woman who sold donuts at the market told him, “I realized I was buying too many ingredients.” Seeing participants reflect on their own spending based on their records became a great motivation to continue the activity.
“I wanted people to feel that they can make small changes by themselves, rather than waiting for someone else to change their lives,” he recalls.

Supported by the Community
At a local vocational training center, he also worked with residents to try small-scale rice cultivation. With advice from people experienced in rice farming, they began experimental planting. It is hoped that graduates will continue rice cultivation after returning to their home communities.
The success of these efforts was supported by many local people. Church leaders helped promote the workshops, while police officers accompanied him during patrols to ensure safety.
“One police officer told me, ‘You and I are both working for the community.’ His words left a strong impression. I was encouraged to know that there are local people who truly want to improve their community.”

Change May Be Small, But It Is Real
“Most of the time, visible results were hard to achieve,” Nishigaki says. Still, he was supported by the warmth and resilience of the residents, who live each day with optimism.
“I would be happy if even a few people realized that they can change their lives through their own actions.”
The smiles and positive attitudes of the people he met in Kwikila will continue to be a source of strength for the community. He hopes that their initiatives will keep developing through the power of local people themselves.

The smiles and positive spirit of the people of Kwikila will continue to give strength to their community.
He hopes that the efforts of the people here will keep growing through their own power.

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