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Abstract
Women play an important role in agricultural production and marketing in PNG. However, their
contribution to the local economy and household livelihoods has not been maximised due to the
lack of support. This study, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural
Research, identifies issues facing PNG women farmers in the highlands in their endeavour to
generate income from sweet potato marketing. Two group discussions were held in Goroka and
Mount Hagen. The results indicate that specific marketing issues facing women farmers are:
heavy work load, high cost and unreliable transport, poor facilities at the open markets,
harassment and violence against women and uneven distribution of income within the household.
Group marketing, based on the CI&I process to improve business and marketing skills, appears
to be a possible solution to many of the problems facing women farmers.