In the highlands of Papua New Guinea a crippling El Nino drought is taking hold and communities are struggling to cope. Crops have failed, water reserves are dwindling and some children are malnourished. Recent research indicates that climate change is increasing the risk of stronger than usual El Nino episodes. Margaret Thomas, a subsistence farmer explains, “In the past the other dry seasons were quite difficult, but not as difficult as now… All the vegetables in the gardens, especially the sweet potatoes are being destroyed ... The supply of food has decreased, even the quality of food is bad now.” Aid groups and the government are providing drought relief and recent rains have eased the situation. But the impacts linger on. As food is in short supply and people are drinking contaminated water, some have died from malnutrition and disease. Commissioned by Oxfam Australia and Oxfam New Zealand.
