Master of Agribusiness
University of Queensland, QLD
Prior to her studies in Australia, Lavinia was employed as an extension officer for a private enterprise producing coconut oil. Here she managed the company’s smallholder supply program, challenging traditional barriers to farmer engagement in the agriproduce sector. Lavinia played a key role in increasing the number of farmers supplying the company from less than ten to more than 100in a year, with a subsequent four times increase in production by the second year of the extension program.
In recognition of her work in the agriproduce field, Lavinia was awarded a Government of New Zealand Women in Agriculture Scholarship for the four years of her undergraduate study.
Upon her return to Papua New Guinea, Lavinia would like to build awareness and understanding of women and men farmers on the importance of quality standards and value adding for agricultural commodities. Lavinia is also interested in agricultural market research, especially as it relates to creating new local and international markets for PNG’s agricultural commodities.
