From Aid to Trade. Transforming Agriculture in Papua New Guinea

Rona Conn, founder of Otherdots, is transforming Pacific agriculture and trade by connecting Indigenous producers to global markets.

Rona’s story is deeply personal. She comes from a legacy of agricultural and community empowerment in Papua New Guinea, and she’s carried that forward—building sustainable businesses, focusing on trade-led economic growth over traditional aid.

She’s bridging food security and economic gaps, joined by alliance partners creating a win-win for all, which means community-driven solutions to empower thousands of families. A solution that can be scaled which is the next step. She built all this with no investment, no debt and almost no tech.

Live episode on youtube

Contact Rhona:

Rhona on Linkedin

Otherdots website

Maria

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Takeaways:

* Rhona Conn's journey is rooted in her legacy of agriculture and community empowerment.

* Milne Bay Organics was created to utilize unused fertile land in Papua New Guinea.

* The importance of educating farmers about the value of their resources.

* Community collaboration is essential for economic growth and sustainability.

* The shift from aid to trade requires a change in mindset among local communities.

* Building alliances among local producers can lead to shared success.

* Technology can play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural practices.

* The need for traceability in food production to ensure fair pricing.

* Rhona's approach emphasizes the importance of community trust and relationships.

* The journey of transforming local economies is a long-term commitment. Cultural understanding is crucial for business success.

* Growth can lead to bottlenecks that need addressing.

* Connecting markets to farmers is essential for sustainability.

* Technology can bridge gaps in supply chains.

* There is significant demand for agricultural products globally.

* Infrastructure challenges hinder supply chain efficiency.

* Empowering local communities leads to better outcomes.

* Building trust takes time and effort.

* The journey of establishing a business is often fraught with challenges.

* External partnerships are necessary for scaling operations. Creating strong alliances is crucial for overcoming competition.

* Evolving towards a profitable business model ensures sustainability.

* Data collection is essential for guiding development efforts.

* Local knowledge is vital for effective policy-making.

* Quality control is key to maintaining market trust.

* Balancing profit and purpose is necessary for long-term success.

* Experience in the field leads to better business decisions.

* Economic opportunities can significantly reduce crime rates.

* Empowering local communities fosters independence and self-sufficiency.

* Technology can enhance supply chain efficiency and scalability.

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