The province shares its borders with the Western Highlands, Chimbu and Madang provinces. It has three districts – Jimi, North Waghi and Anglimp-South Waghi – and two growing towns, Minj and Banz. The centre of Jiwaka is the fertile Waghi Valley, which is surrounded by mountains.

The Jiwaka Mountains of Jimi district. Credit: Siva Kina

Jiwaka was formed by an Act of Parliament in 2009. Its came about when the first two letters of Jimi, Waghi and Kambia were combined to make a portmanteau word.

Economic overview

Jiwaka is known as coffee country because the majority of people living here are involved in the coffee sector.

In 2014, the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) commenced the Jiwaka Central Coffee Nursery project at Numenz outside of Banz town and over two million coffee seedlings have been produced and planted in the newly established province.

Production was expected to continue its sharp upward trend, but the region has been affected by coffee borer and the Government has announced its intention to allocate K20 million to deal with the disease. It also announced that more strict import controls would be implemented.

An organic coffee factory has re-opened in the Waghi Valley, and will process organic coffee for the world market, initially focussing on Germany. The aim is to involve local farmers in organic production. Most smallholder coffee growers pick their cherries, take them to the side of the road in bags and wait for a buyer to purchase them. There is also a need for industry training. Farmers have a tendency to assume that weight determines prices, so often pick as many unripe cherries as they can, which cannot then be sold.

The coffee must be planted in a secluded area under big trees where the temperature is cool. The setting must be uniform, there must be proper drainage, sound maintenance and regular check ups. Tea crops are also harvested.

Broadening the province’s industry base is a priority. Jiwaka was the first to submit its provincial five-year development plan (2018-2022) as integrated with the medium-term development plan to the Department of National Planning and Monitoring. This included development plans for infrastructure, lands, commerce, tourism, agriculture, and communication technology sectors.

Tourism

Banz town comes alive during the Jiwaka Show (pngtours.com), a colourful event that exposes the unique and enchanting cultural identity of local tribes. Travellers can visit coffee plantations and observe what goes into making the perfect cup. Coffee from Jiwaka and the highlands region is highly regarded internationally. To reach Jiwaka, fly to Mount Hagen, the capital of the Western Highlands, and then travel overland to Banz.

Where to stay

Jiwaka Mission Resort (jiwakamissionresort.com) provides clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices in the Banz area. Hire cars, tours and airport transfers can be arranged with the resort.

Molka Lodge (villagehuts.com) provides accommodation near Minj and has a mumu (earth oven), allowing visitors to eat traditionally. Molka will also make arrangements for guests to see traditional song and dance performances.

Budget travellers may like JVT guest house (villagehuts.com).

Jiwaka province in brief

Name: Jiwaka

Capital: Banz

Population: 343,987

Area: 4798 square kilometres

Distance from Port Moresby: 483 kilometres. Air Niugini flies from Port Moresby to Mount Hagen regularly. The flight time is 1 hour.

Sectors: Coffee.

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