J1183N Integrated Farming System Capacity Building for Young Farmers
Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia
In partnership with Many Hands One Nation (MAHON) Foundation
The Situation
Timor-Leste, a young nation in the Asia-Pacific region, gained its independence in 2002, making it 21 years old. It is a democratic country, a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and joined ASEAN in 2022. It has a population of 1.35 million according to the 2023 census. Timor-Leste’s alarming malnutrition levels are among the highest in the world with over 50% of children under five classified as stunted and 11% classified as wasted. Childhood stunting occurs when chronic malnutrition stunts a child’s physical growth, while wasting is acute malnutrition indicating a low weight and height for age. The Beco village is located on the border of Covalima municipality and is categorised as having the highest stunting rates based on WHO's 2021 survey report, due to climate change impact and natural disasters. The majority of the community in Beco are farmers, primarily cultivating cassava, corn, beans and animal husbandry. The crops and produce are mainly used to support their own families, with 90% reserved for family consumption and only 10% sent to local markets to trade for rice and other basic necessities.
The Objectives
To provide training on the “Integrated Farming System” for 100 young marginalised farmers that focuses on Horticulture, Aquaculture, Animal Husbandry, Agroforestry and Small business initiatives.
The expected outcomes are:
- The skills and abilities of marginalised young farmers are developed and then implemented back into their farms for improved harvests
- Innovative technical support and interventions directly in the community farms through:
- Funding initiatives selling organic fertilizers
Project J1183N is establishing its operation in the village of Beco, Covalima municipality to support young farmers to have creative and innovative skills to improve local products and local entrepreneurship initiatives through the capacity building training on various sectors such as horticulture, animal husbandry, nursery, organic fertilizers, aquaculture and small business training.
J1183N