Despite the remoteness of Karimui, Tonny Yagu has not given up hope. Through cacao farming and the support of MAF flights, he sustains his family and extends help to his community.
Story by Aquila Matit
Tonny Yagu, a father of five, is a devoted Christian and committed cacao farmer in the remote Karimui District of Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea.
As a young man, Tonny’s education was cut short due to financial hardship in Goroka town – the centre for Eastern Highlands Province. He returned to Karimui, where he married and later joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church. With few economic opportunities in the area, cacao became his primary means of income and hope.
“I saw that cacao is a good cash crop,” Tonny said. “Since I started farming, my children have been able to study in town. I now have a good house, and even a vehicle at my home in Goroka.”
Cacao has not only transformed Tonny’s household but given him a vision for more.
“I have 126 hectares of land. So far, I’ve planted 15 hectares, about 23,000 seedlings. They are now pruned and being harvested. I plan to expand further,” Tonny added.
Beyond his own farm, Tonny uses what he has to support others. He buys cacao beans from other local farmers, especially those who cannot afford to transport theirs, and helps sell them through MAF flights to Goroka. The proceeds often return as either cash or store goods flown
back into Karimui.
“Sometimes people here need just a bar of soap. When I buy their cacao, they use the money for small but important things. That’s how we survive here,” he said.
“We have no road access to Goroka or anywhere else. If there were no planes, our cacao wouldn’t reach the market,” Tonny said.
If there were no planes, our cacao wouldn't reach the market
MAF Goroka flight programmer Misek Norman, who is from Goroka, understands the impact of this vital service to remote people.
“Once we fly out their produce, cacao, coffee, or peanuts, it benefits them. It helps meet their basic needs,” Misek said.
Despite his success, Tonny is not immune to challenges.
“When cacao prices drop, some locals see no value and cut their trees down. But those of us who hold on, we harvest when the price rises and make a good return,” he said.
For Tonny, faith is central: “When I put God first, everything else falls into place.”
He remains thankful for the flight services that make it all possible, stating that MAF has never abandoned them.
“During good times and hard times, they help us reach the market. With the income we earn, we can sustain our lives.”