Assessing the effectiveness of climate change programmes and project implementation in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Papua New Guinea has faced a challenge to subsistence livelihoods caused by the rapidly changing climate since the early 1990s. In response to the challenges, PNG has adopted and promoted the adaptation concept since 2007. The adaptation initiatives have taken place at various levels, by a number of responsible groups and institutions: state institutions have targeted policy development while the local communities have initiated projects to overcome the changing environment. Since the programmes and projects happen at various levels, this study aims to assess and gain insights into the experiences of those stakeholders who are directly involved in implementation, to see whether community projects complement or challenge government programmes. A case study approach to data gathering was employed to gain qualitative insights into the challenges and opportunities experienced. In-depth interviews, general observations, and online questionnaires were employed for primary data collection. Data collected were analysed to identify the common issues experienced. The study found that community initiated projects do not intuitively correlate with government established programmes. There is no clear mechanism established between government and communities to work in partnership to address climate change impacts at the community level. Communities initiate and implement projects based on their own local knowledge and circumstances. To encourage and enable communities to achieve the maximum expected outcome, state institutions and other stakeholders would need to support and build skills and technical capacity. Such an effort would require the integration of different stakeholders’ programmes so that effectiveness can be achieved through coordinated efforts.