Overview
The Division of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) is a replica of the National Department of Agriculture and Livestock (NDAL) operating in West New Britain Province. It is established to promote and educate farmers on agricultural techniques, farming different cash crops, and to monitor and advise farmers on other related issues. The primary purpose and focus of this Division is to assist farmers in making informed decisions on trade and marketing, right cash crop to plant, and techniques to use for productivity in order to improve their living standards, in turn, alleviating poverty.
The Division facilitates and coordinates the delivery of agriculture development across the Province and ensures agriculture development initiatives are effectively implemented in compliance with national legislation while promoting sustainable agricultural management practices.
Its programs are funded through Annual Provincial Budgets or through joint programs with the National Department of Agriculture and Livestock and Commodity Organizations.
Core Functions
The key functions of the Division of Agriculture & Livestock include:
- Agriculture and Livestock Management
- Development Programs Coordination for Livestock and Agriculture
- Research and marketing of agricultural products within the province
- Biosecurity
Key Responsibilities
The Division is responsible for:
- Provide technical guidance to farmers regarding modern farming techniques and skills
- Assist farmers with materials and equipment
- Promote and Support the Development of Agriculture and Livestock Farming
- Promote Trade and Marketing of Agriculture and Livestock Products
- Field inspections and monitoring
- Conducting research
- Conducting training
- Collaborate with Stakeholders and Development Partners
- Manage research plots and nurseries
Programs & Services
The Division of Agriculture & Livestock delivers the following programs and services:
- Agriculture and Livestock Management
This program provides a leadership role and manages key programs under the Division. The management is responsible for strategic planning and promoting collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and development partners on development initiatives in the Province.
- Agricultural Development
The program promotes agricultural development across the Province by ensuring that individual farmers and farming organizations are trained and supported with new and improved farming techniques and investment opportunities, mainly to enhance agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, and create sustainable income opportunities for farmers at all levels. It seeks to drive inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth that contributes to the overall socioeconomic development of the Province.
The program focuses on cultivation and management of trees and crops for various purposes, including industrial use, while promoting Food Crops and Horticulture Development. These crops are:
- Coconut
- Cocoa
- Coffee
- Rubber
- Rice
- Spices
- Oil Palm
- Balsa
- Livestock Development
This program promotes livestock development across the Province by ensuring that individual farmers and farming organizations are trained and supported with new and improved livestock farming practices and investment opportunities. Through targeted capacity building, technical assistance, and access to improved breeds and animal husbandry techniques. The program seeks to drive sustainable livestock production that contributes to household food security, income generation, and the overall socioeconomic development of the Province.
Main livestock farming under this program is:
- Poultory Farming
- Pig Farming
- Cattle Farming
- Research & Marketing
The Agriculture and Livestock Research and Marketing Program is designed to drive sustainable agricultural and livestock development across the Province through evidence-based research, innovation, and improved market linkages. The program supports the identification and promotion of improved crop varieties, livestock breeds, and farming technologies suited to local conditions to enhance productivity and output for farmers and farming organizations. It also facilitates market access, promotes value chain development, and supports the establishment of farmer groups and cooperatives to help farmers obtain better returns for their produce.
By integrating research with marketing support, the program aims to transform subsistence farming into a commercially viable and sustainable industry that improves rural livelihoods and contributes to the overall socioeconomic development of the Province.
- Biosecurity
This program ensures animal health and disease control by procuring essential drugs for treatment of crops and the animal clinic.
The extension services of those programs are implemented at the three (3) Districts twelve (12) Local Level Governments by the Senior Rural Development Officers (SRDO) And Rural Development Officers (RDO).
Structure & Leadership
The division is headed by the Executive Manager, who oversees teams responsible for specific functional areas, including:
- Office Administration
- Research & Marketing
- Agriculture Development
- Livestock Development
Strategic Focus
The Division of Agriculture & Livestock is committed to:
- Production and Quality Enhancement
- Improvement of Farming Activities
- Strengthening of Food and Nutrition Security
- Farmer Capacity Building and Training
- Promoting Market Accessibility through Sustainable Practices and Technology Adoption
- Promoting Local SMEs through Diversification, Agribusiness, Marketing, and Trade
- Promote Local Downstream Processing
- Plantation Rehabilitation and Development
Contact Information
For enquiries related to this division, please contact:
Division: Division of Agriculture & Livestock
Phone:
Email:
Location: Kimbe-Provincial Headquarters