Brown Konabe is a seasoned agricultural professional with more than 30 years of experience in Papua New Guinea’s agriculture sector. He holds a Master of Agricultural Studies from the University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Papua New Guinea.
He has held a range of leadership and technical roles, including Research Agronomist with the National Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Crops Advisor for the New Guinea Islands, and Director of the Food Security Branch at the Department of Agriculture & Livestock (DAL) for almost two decades.
In 2023, he was appointed Acting Secretary of DAL by the National Executive Council, where he oversaw consultations and guided the development of the National Agriculture Sector Plan 2024–2033. He also served as Acting Deputy Secretary for Provincial Agriculture Technical Services, leading programs in food security, nutrition, and commercial agriculture.
Currently, Mr. Konabe serves as Director of the Food Security Branch at DAL and represents the department on the Board of the Livestock Development Corporation. He was also appointed by the Secretary of Department of Agriculture and Livestock this year to be the project Director of the ADB PNG Food Marketing Project. His expertise spans agricultural research and development, food systems, policy and strategic planning, and he continues to play a central role in shaping food security and resilience and agriculture developoment in Papua New Guinea.