A four-day Financial Literacy Retail Training was conducted for smallholder farmers from Inland Baining, Gazelle District, East New Britain Province, from 1st to 4th October 2025. The training was facilitated by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) under the GEF7-FOLUR Project.
The event, held at Rapopo Plantation Resort in Kokopo, brought together 45 participants 23 men and 22 women involved in cocoa and fresh produce farming. The farmers were divided into two batches, with Batch One trained from 1st–2nd October and Batch Two from 3rd–4th October.
The sessions covered key topics such as money management, savings plans, household budgeting, tracking income and expenses, cash flow management for seasonal crops, and accessing financial services. Representatives from financial institutions including NCSL, BSP, Kadaporoman Microfinance Limited, and East New Britain Savings and Loans Society also attended to share information on their products and services.
According to CEFI, the training aimed to equip farmers with essential financial skills to better manage income, reduce debt, and build savings to strengthen their economic resilience.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to advance financial inclusion, promote sustainable livelihoods, and support the PNG Vision 2050.
It further contributes to the FOLUR Impact Programme’s goal of fostering sustainable and inclusive rural economic growth across New Britain Island.
Ends.
Image Caption: Participants from Inland Baining, Gazelle District, take part in group discussions and practical exercises during the four-day Financial Literacy Retail Training held at Rapopo Plantation Resort in Kokopo. The training, facilitated by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in partnership with UNDP and CEPA under the GEF7-FOLUR Project, equipped cocoa and fresh produce farmers with vital financial management skills to strengthen their livelihoods.
