First JCC Meeting Held for ECO-SHEP PNG Project

JICA in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and key government partners, convened the first Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting for The Project for Capacity Development of Sustainable Integrated Farming Systems (SIFS) using the SHEP Approach in East New Britain Province (Eco-SHEP PNG project) on 11 June 2026.

The meeting, held at the NARI Keravat Office, brought together representatives from the East New Britain Provincial Administration, the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), partner institutions, and other stakeholders. The JCC formally endorsed the project’s implementation framework, annual work plan and appointed officials for the project marking the official commencement of full-scale project activities.

The Eco-SHEP PNG project aims to strengthen sustainable agricultural development in East New Britain Province by enhancing farmers’ capacity, improving productivity, and promoting resilient farming systems adapted to local conditions.

Project Activities
Over its four-year implementation period, the Eco-SHEP PNG project will carry out a range of integrated activities across Gazelle, Kokopo, Pomio, and Rabaul districts, including:

• Promotion of environmentally and economically sustainable farming practices, tailored to local ecosystems and culture.
• Introduction of integrated farming systems combining crops, soil management, and resource efficiency
• Capacity development of farmers through training, extension services, and demonstration activities utilizing SHEP Approach
• Strengthening collaboration between research institutions and farming communities
• Promotion of gender equality and inclusive participation, ensuring women and youth benefit from project activities

SHEP (Eco-SHEP) Approach
A core feature of the project is the application of the SHEP Approach—JICA’s flagship agricultural extension model, which has been successfully implemented in over 60 countries.
In Papua New Guinea, the approach is adapted as Eco-SHEP, integrating environmental sustainability and cultural consideration into the model. Unlike traditional extension approaches focused solely on increase in production and benefits, SHEP emphasizes an empowerment of farmers. Farmers are supported to:

• Identify market demand before production
• Make informed decisions based on market information
• Diversify crops and reduce risks
• Develop a mindset “farming as a business”, strengthen the ownership of farming activities, and deepen the relationship with market players

Through Eco-SHEP, farmers are expected to transition from subsistence-oriented production to more market-driven, resilient, and sustainable agricultural systems.


Expected Outcomes
The Eco-SHEP PNG project is expected to deliver tangible impacts to farming communities, including:

• Increased agricultural productivity and farm incomes
• Enhanced resilience to climate change and environmental challenges
• Improved livelihoods and food security for rural households
• Strengthened institutional capacity of extension services and research systems
• Greater participation of women and marginalized groups in agricultural development

Looking Ahead
The JCC will continue to serve as the highest decision-making body for the project, ensuring effective coordination among stakeholders, monitoring progress, and guiding implementation. Through strong collaboration and the application of the Eco-SHEP approach, the Eco-SHEP PNG Project is poised to contribute to a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous agricultural sector in East New Britain and Papua New Guinea.