Evaluation of the least cost option to manage pastures in a wet winter in south-eastern Australia

Using household capital analysis, this study investigated the farm income, other monetary benefits and household wealth effects from participating in a tree farming project in the Markham Valley of Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods. From the total sampling population of 370 landowners and tree farmers, 10 per cent were selected to represent the participants in the project. Farm income and profitability gradually increased over the time involved in the project for contract work, annual land lease payment and intercropping practices. Farm income was influenced by the farm size and the number of years in the farming business. A rural household wealth analysis revealed that the highest ranked short-term recurrent need was clothing, followed by school fees. The main medium term recurrent needs were family events and cultural obligations, while the main long term recurrent need was better housing in order to improve living standards and wellbeing. The study also found that while tree farmers earn more income, they lack household income management abilities. The study recommended capacity building through training and education programs that improve farmers’ knowledge of farm income management.