The United Nations System in Papua New Guinea has been asked to focus its drought assistance in terms of food support, the provision of seeds and tools, and logistical backup.
Dry creek bed in Papua New Guinea. Photo: Supplied
The PNG government is increasing its efforts with more than US$60 million being set aside for the threat.
The UNDP's country director, Roy Trivedy, says they have had fruitful meetings with the PNG government this week and been asked to scale up their efforts in particular areas.
"We have had colleagues from World Food Program and the FAO [Food and Agriculture Organisation] working very closely with government counterparts and with the churches and the private sector on all of this, and we are really looking to scale up our efforts on this because we know that if this drought continues to prolong, goes into December and January, people will require additional support."
The PNG government estimates that nearly a million people, mostly in the Highlands, are in states of stress as result of the drought's impact.