Cacao farmers in the lower highlands of Papua New Guinea face an impossible mountainous trek if they wish to carry their dry beans to market. But through air transport and the support of MAF, farmer Norman Mondo can transport his valuable cash crop and share its blessings with his community.
Story by Aquila Matit
Norman Mondo, a father of eight and a respected leader in the community, is one of the leading cacao farmers of Karimui District, in the Simbu Province of Papua New Guinea.
Originally from nearby Kerowagi, Norman was born in 1973 after his father, a missionary doctor with the Lutheran Church, moved to Karimui in 1963.
“The locals appreciated his service so much they gave him land,” Norman said.
“Karimui has no road link, we fly on plane alone,” he said. “You have to walk on bush tracks for two days before you reach the nearest road to Goroka town – the centre for the Eastern Highlands Province. It’s too far and not suitable to carry heavy loads of dried cacao beans.
“It is through plane that we access everything: our buying and selling is through plane alone.”
MAF provide essential flights into Karimui, helping Norman to send his dry cacao beans to market.
It is through plane that we access everything
Cacao farming in this highlands area is unusual. The crop was introduced in 2008 by the Simbu Provincial Government after agricultural assessments showed the land was suitable.
“Normally we do not plant cacao in the highlands; the climate is different,” Norman said.
“In 2014, I stepped into cacao farming and never looked back. I planted a huge area, even though I didn’t know how to process the beans at the time.”
Today, Norman sends his cacao to Goroka by air, then they are trucked to Lae – the country’s second largest city, where established buyers receive them.
“I normally send 63-kilo bags of cacao. Money from cacao has paid for all my children’s education and helps cover their daily needs,” Norman added.
Norman’s earnings also reach beyond his household.
“We don’t expect him to give us money, but we support him because we know he helps with the mission work of Christ,” said local women’s spokesperson Misis Siwi.
“Whatever he gives, we receive with thanks.”
Norman has used part of his income to build Sorita airstrip to facilitate easy transport of his crops and serve nearby communities.
The cacao plantation backs onto the new airstrip, which is located on a plateau only about one kilometre from Karimui airstrip – but with only one vehicle in the whole region, and an unfinished road, the benefits are clear.
MAF officially opened Sorita airstrip with the first flight. Beside the airstrip, Norman has also constructed a health centre.
“I’m grateful that God has blessed me. I’ve also built churches, and I usually fly in pastors and their families. I haven’t let go of God’s mission,” he said.
In 2019, Norman’s cacao was recognised on a global stage. He won first place in the national Cacao of Excellence competition and was invited to the Salon du Chocolat in Paris.
Ironically, not many local people have the opportunity to eat chocolate.
“Many locals here do not eat chocolate a lot,” Norman said. “They are not very familiar with it.
“I eat chocolate. I have eaten chocolate made from my cacao, but it is very dark, strong chocolate with a strong smell! I prefer sweet chocolate.”
Despite his success, Norman worries about price instability.
“If cacao and coffee prices drop, we remote farmers will struggle,” he said. But Norman believes that MAF does not let them down.
“When the load is ready, they come in and take it to the market.”