THE Farmers & Settlers Association (FSA) is calling for immediate nationwide action to prepare for the impacts of El Niño, warning that drought conditions are already becoming evident in parts of Papua New Guinea.
In Circular Update 14/26, FSA President Wilson O. Thompson, said changing weather patterns, including reduced rainfall and prolonged dry conditions in some areas, have highlighted the need for greater public awareness and coordinated preparedness efforts.
Thompson said observations from several provinces, particularly Eastern Highlands Province, indicate that drinking water sources are becoming scarce, with rivers and streams recording significantly lower water levels.
He warned that beyond the expected decline in agricultural production and food availability, drought conditions could increase the risk of water-borne diseases such as typhoid and dysentery if communities are not adequately prepared.
“We can’t wait. We have too many people to worry about and we must take action to mitigate the impacts on communities and the economy,” Thompson said.
The FSA is urging national government agencies to work closely with provincial governments to strengthen public awareness campaigns on drought preparedness, water conservation, sanitation and disease prevention.
According to Thompson, the country faces multiple threats from El Niño, including reduced water supplies, lower agricultural production, food insecurity, declining household incomes, pressure on health services, and reduced electricity generation where hydropower systems depend on adequate water levels.
He also expressed concern about the potential impact on schools, noting that students require reliable access to safe drinking water and that communities should take measures to protect water sources, food gardens and livestock during the dry period.
Thompson said lessons learned from previous droughts should guide the country’s response, including drawing on research and food security initiatives previously undertaken by the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and other relevant agencies.
The association is calling for response systems to be activated immediately to ensure health and education facilities remain operational and communities receive timely information on how to reduce the impacts of the anticipated drought.
The PNG Weather Service has announced the onset of El Niño conditions, prompting renewed calls for government agencies, community leaders and development partners to coordinate preparedness measures before conditions worsen.