The experience of the 1997-98 drought in Simbu Province: lessons learnt

摘要

The worst drought in PNG in recorded history occurred in 1997, and it had a major impact on the 184,000 people of Simbu Province. The problem was recognised by the government only after major environmental and social changes had commenced. These included food shortages and the associated problems of law and order and environmental changes. Field assessments were conducted to assess the need for relief supplies. Villagers responded by using cash savings to purchase food, traded possessions for cash and food, and many sought financial assistance from friends and relatives. The provincial administration coped with the major challenge fairly well, but there were some problems. These were brought about by poor communications, poor road access, inadequate preparation, insufficient trained personnel and political attempts to influence distribution of resources. There was a lack of cooperation by villagers in some localities. With the return of the rains in late 1997, fast-growing crops started to produce. By April 1998, staple foods were being eaten again in most locations and life had almost returned to normal. A number of recommendations are made that, if followed, will reduce the vulnerability of food shortage in the future.