Mission and objectivesMorobe Development Foundation Inc. is a leading Internationally recognised NGO based in Lae Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. It has the vision to help young people reach their full potential by utilizing their hidden talents in community development initiatives so they can realize their potential and become role model in the community. MDF was established to address a broader and more diverse range of objectives and work through the use of dance, music, and drama, MDF’s primary aim is to ensure that women participate equally in decision-making in any project undertaken, including projects related to Ending Violence against Women and promoting Human Rights to support the Government and the Sustainable Development Goals. MDF, in collaboration with Online Volunteers, engaged through the UNV's Unified Volunteer Platform (UVP), has also undertaken various scientific research studies related to the environment - forest cover loss, land use land cover change, the influence of various parameters on surface waters, and coastal shoreline turtle habitat loss. These projects included the participation of various experts and researchers from diverse fields across various countries across the globe - ranging from marine biology, biodiversity conservation, PNG community management, remote sensing, and land use policy among various others. MDF is managed by a management committee, which is made up of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, Secretary, the Treasurer, the Project Coordinator, Community Development Officer, and a male and female member of the foundation, and ensures that women participate equally in decision making. We at MDF assert that we have the required skill sets, knowledge, established international network, and the necessary foundational work to undertake projects successfully.
ContextWe are seeking motivated and knowledgeable Online Volunteers to assist with conducting a comprehensive literature review on the special and rare cocoa species found in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. This literature review will form the foundation for a larger research project aimed at identifying and preserving unique cocoa varieties in the region, with potential implications for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Online Volunteers' contribution will play a crucial role in supporting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation efforts in Papua New Guinea by identifying and highlighting the unique cocoa species of Madang Province, in Papua New Guinea. Online Volunteers will help in laying down the groundwork for future research and conservation initiatives that could benefit local communities and the environment. This online task with Online Volunteers will help MDF in advancing its mission to support and sustain rural communities in Papua New Guinea by giving in-depth knowledge on the quality of Cocoa they are growing, supporting the agriculture industry, and in the long run contributing to meet the SDG in the areas of agriculture and community development.
Task DescriptionSpecifically, Online Volunteers will be assigned the following tasks. Volunteer 1: Outline the research design and methods used to gather data, including: - Geographic and climatic conditions of Madang: This volunteer will introduce Madang Province, focusing on its geographical and climatic conditions, and why these might support unique cacao varieties. - Impact of Climate and Soil Conditions on Cocoa Varieties: This volunteer will investigate how local environmental factors, such as climate and soil conditions, affect the growth and characteristics of cocoa species in Madang Province. They will gather and analyze literature connecting these factors to the success of specific cocoa varieties. Volunteer 2: - Comparison with other Cocoa-growing regions (Comparative Analysis) - Describe the process of collecting data through online interviews, surveys, and questionnaires from farmers, exporters, and experts. - Environmental and Social Factors: Explain how environmental and social factors were considered in the research (e.g., soil types, climate, farming practices). Volunteer 3: - Conduct research on sustainable cocoa farming methods being used or that could be implemented in Madang Province, with a focus on environmentally friendly practices. - Explore how these practices are applied in smallholder farming systems and how they contribute to long-term sustainability. Volunteer 4: - Analyze the environmental benefits (soil health, water management, biodiversity) and social impacts (improved livelihoods, women’s empowerment) of sustainable farming in Madang Province. - Provide recommendations for implementing or improving sustainable cocoa farming practices in Madang Province to protect both the environment and unique cocoa species.
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