The 1997 drought and frost in PNG: overview and policy implications

摘要

Major climatic events in 1997-98, including the most serious drought of the past century, significantly affected rural PNG. Widespread and repeated frosts occurred in the highlands, especially at very high altitude locations. In this paper, we give a summary of the impact of the drought and frost, focusing on disruption to village food and water supplies, health, bushfires, water supply for institutions and urban areas, power supply and the national economy. The vulnerability of poor people in certain remote locations is highlighted. The various responses to the drought and frost are summarised, including those of the PNG and Australian governments, other institutions and rural villagers. The assessments of the impacts are described. A series of implications for policy and program development are outlined.