Traditional agriculture practices in Timor-Leste result in poor soil and water management and low productivity. This Trilateral partnership trains farmers both on modern cultivation methods and cultivation of crops that reduce erosion and increase replenishment of nutrients in the soil. In addition, the crops selected help farmers diversify their sources of income.This partnership will contribute to the sustainable development of SIDS by demonstrating opportunities for increasing farmer incomes while improving natural resource management through cultivation of cash and staple crops. The model developed in Timor-Leste can be applied in other SIDS.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries identified and prepared the land for test plots and training; USAID’s Developing Agriculture Communities project trains farmers in cultivation of red beans and onions; the Government of China trains farmers in the cultivation of maize.

See Objective for details on training.

The three parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding which detailed governance and responsibilities.

USAID/Timor-Leste Government of Timor-Leste, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Government of the People's Republic of China