We exist to support rural communities in Timor-Leste.
THE ISSUE
Nearly 80 per cent of families in Timor-Leste rely on farming for food or income, but around 40 per cent of the country’s population lives in poverty. Sustainable agriculture production has enormous potential to support families to break the poverty cycle and preserve their environment and traditions, but farming in Timor-Leste is a challenge.
Nearly half the country’s land mass is sloped at 40 per cent, the highest possible global measure, soil quality is poor and crop yields consistently hover around half the global average, and after decades of war and destruction Timor-Leste lacks the infrastructure to farm well in a challenging, flood-prone and drought-stricken environment.
OUR APPROACH
We know conservation agriculture and agro-biodiversity will strengthen the resilience of rural communities and their land.
Rural communities have been farming the land for centuries and are the experts in what they do.
We work humbly and respectfully to strengthen community-led actions. We cooperate with government and NGO partners to deliver effective, proven and tested services.