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, MDFโs 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. Unlike the Studies on Sustainable Cocoa Production in Madang, PNGโs Special Cocoa Species, which focus on practical cultivation methods, production systems, and sustainability practices, this assignment is centered on desk-based research. The literature review will compile and analyze existing academic, technical, and scientific sources to build a strong knowledge base on the unique cocoa varieties of Madang. This foundational work will inform future applied studies on sustainable cocoa production, while also contributing to biodiversity conservation and agricultural research. Online Volunteersโ contributions will help identify knowledge gaps, highlight the distinct qualities of Madangโs cocoa species, and provide critical background for subsequent field-based initiatives. By supporting this literature review, Online Volunteers will help the Morobe Development Foundation (MDF) advance its mission to sustain rural communities in Papua New Guinea. The assignment will generate in-depth insights into the characteristics and potential of Madangโs cocoa, strengthening the agriculture sector and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in agriculture, biodiversity, and community development
Task DescriptionOnline Volunteers will be expected to: Volunteer 1: Overview of Cocoa Cultivation in Papua New Guinea - Conduct a desk-based review of the history, current practices, and overall landscape of cocoa cultivation in Papua New Guinea. - Summarize findings to provide a national context that frames the study of Madangโs special cocoa species. Volunteer 2: Biodiversity of Cocoa Varieties in Madang Province - Identify and analyze existing literature on cocoa species found specifically in Madang Province. - Highlight any unique or rare varieties and describe their characteristics based on available sources. - Note research gaps, particularly the limited studies on Madang, and emphasize the importance of further investigation. Volunteer 3: Geographic and Climatic Conditions of Madang - Compile information on Madang Provinceโs geography and climate from published sources. - Explain how these conditions may contribute to the presence of unique cocoa varieties. Volunteer 4: Impact of Climate and Soil Conditions on Cocoa Varieties - Review literature on how local environmental factors, such as climate and soil composition, influence cocoa growth and species characteristics in Madang Province. - Summarize connections between these factors and the success of specific cocoa varieties. Comparative Analysis: Cocoa-growing Regions - Use information from nearby provinces or similar environments to compare conditions. - Provide hypotheses, based on literature, about the types of cocoa that might be found in Madang.
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