A small town in the Angoram District of East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, is experiencing transformative change driven by innovation along the picturesque Sepik River. At the forefront of this movement is Tina Savinio, the determined leader of the Kandangapma Women’s Business Group. Thanks to the support from the EU-STREIT PNG Program, Tina and her group have seen significant improvements in nutrition, living standards, and overall well-being.
The EU-STREIT PNG Program provided extensive training in areas such as group business management, group dynamics, financial literacy, ICT skills, family farming as a business, and riverine capture fisheries, empowering the Kandangapma Women’s Business Group. Utilizing this new knowledge, Tina bolstered her group’s operations, fostering a spirit of mutual support that helped unify women who had previously left the organization under a shared goal of advancement.
One of the most notable advancements from the EU-STREIT PNG Program is the introduction of the FAO-Thiaroye Technique (FTT) for smoking and drying fish. “Now that I have this new technology, I feel really good,” Tina expressed. Her fish business is thriving, and she credits the EU-STREIT program for facilitating this innovation. The FTT enhances the quality, safety, and marketability of fish products, ultimately increasing the incomes of fishers and those involved in the value chain.
Unlike traditional methods that are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and produce less safe products, the FTT offers a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative. It conserves natural resources by requiring less firewood and dramatically reducing smoke emissions, creating a healthier environment for the women involved. The FTT also allows for smoking fish without constant supervision, freeing up time for the women to engage in other responsibilities.
“I must stay close to the fireplace even during windy periods or when it rains to ensure the fish is smoked well,” Tina noted about the old method. “Now, I simply place the fish inside, close the lid, and can attend to other household duties.”
While challenges arose, including skepticism among group members, Tina emphasized the positive impact of the FTT. “The FTT is good, but you know, people come with different mindsets.” Although some members initially left, many returned once they recognized the benefits, highlighting the importance of stability within the group for achieving overall success.
Tina expressed her satisfaction with the group’s perseverance, saying, “Some mothers who had left have returned, and we continue working together.” She fondly remembers the excitement during the FTT’s launch, inviting neighbors and friends to sample the fish prepared using the new technique to raise awareness about its advantages.
The acceptance and promotion of FTT technology within the community have played a crucial role in its success. The women have improved their time management and are better able to balance fish smoking with other commitments, resulting in significant financial gains. “We can smoke up to 436 fish in a single day with FTT, filling 4 to 6 baskets that we sell at the market,” Tina shared. “Because of this, our income has greatly increased.”
She proudly stated, “We can make between PGK 600 and PGK 1,000 and return home,” noting that sales figures in nearby markets like Maprik and Wewak have also improved, with satisfied customers returning for more.
The success of Tina and the Kandangapma Women’s Business Group exemplifies the impact of creativity and community support. Through the EU-STREIT PNG Program, these women have enhanced their living standards and become role models for others in their community. Tina’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that meaningful change is achievable with the right support, determination, and commitment.