Roots of Resilience : Meet Miriam — A Young Cocoa Farmer from Madang

Deep in the green valleys behind Madang Town, the rhythmic sound of a machete clearing the undergrowth echoes through the morning mist. Here, 22-year-old Miriam Gabriel tends to her family's cocoa trees — branches heavy with pods colored gold, orange, and deep red.

For Miriam, cocoa farming is not just work; it’s a way of life — a connection to land, to family, and to the dreams she carries for her community’s future.

Growing up in a small village near Nobnob (Ambenob Rural LLG, Madang District), Miriam learned the secrets of cocoa from her grandfather, who would walk the gardens at sunrise, checking the ripeness of each pod. As a child, she helped him plant seedlings and dry the cocoa beans on raised mats under the sun. Now, as a young adult, Miriam leads the way in introducing new, sustainable farming techniques, ensuring that the sweet story of Madang cocoa continues for generations.

“Cocoa is our gold," Miriam says, cradling a ripe pod in her hands."It helps us send children to school. It helps us build our homes. It helps us stay strong."

But Miriam’s role goes beyond farming. She is part of a new wave of rural youth working to protect their environment and improve their communities. Through training programs supported by local NGOs and the Madang Sustainable Tourism Initiative, Miriam has learned about organic farming practices, natural pest control, and the importance of preserving local biodiversity alongside agriculture.

Today, her small cocoa block is free from chemical pesticides, shaded by native trees, and surrounded by vibrant food gardens — a living example of how traditional farming can coexist with modern sustainability.

“We don’t just grow cocoa,” she explains.“We grow food. We grow medicine. We grow life.”

Miriam also dreams bigger: she wants to start a village-level cocoa cooperative where young farmers like herself can learn from one another, share resources, and improve access to markets — ensuring that the wealth of Madang’s fertile land benefits local communities first.

When visitors come to Madang Province, some will have the chance to walk through smallholder cocoa gardens like Miriam’s — seeing firsthand how rural youth are leading the way toward a greener, more resilient future.

In every cocoa pod harvested by Miriam’s hands, there is a story: a story of tradition, hope, hard work, and the deep love rural youth have for their land.

“When people taste our cocoa," Miriam smiles, "they are tasting the spirit of Madang.”

Why Rural Farmers Like Miriam Matter

Farmers like Miriam are the quiet heroes of Madang’s rural economy — nurturing not only crops, but also communities, traditions, and dreams.Their work is vital to preserving the rich cultural and ecological landscape that makes Madang a truly special place.