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The course is a collaboration between the Timor-Leste Land Law
Program (LLP) of US-based Associates in Rural Development (ARD)
and Charles Darwin University in Australia. It focuses on building
the research and analysis skills of Timorese staff working
for LLP by teaching them advanced applied social science research
methods. LLP staff members work closely with university researchers
and officials at the Ministry of Justice's Land and Property Directorate
to provide data analysis and support for the development of policies
and legislation related to land tenure and use.
One of the first studies undertaken by students to apply their
new skills is into the land ownership and use rights of women.
"As far as we know, no previous research has been done on
women and land rights," explained Maria Magdalena, one of
the certificate students. "It's not clear what land rights
women have in Dili. We seek to find out about this. For example,
does a women get the land when her husband dies or does it go
to another male family member instead? We want to know if women
are allowed to buy land with their own money. Can they sell land
or lease it to other people?" After collection and analysis,
the findings of the study will go to the government to support
its policy-making and legislative activities.
"This is the first internationally accredited capacity-building
program in the area of social science research methods in Timor-Leste," said Rod Nixon, LLP's senior researcher. " The
course is both comprehensive and challenging, ensuring that Timorese graduates will be able to independently conduct sound
social research to inform government policy making appropriate
to the needs and expectations of the Timorese population."
USAID supports LLP through its partnership with ARD. Working
with the Ministry of Justice, ARD assists the government in developing
policies and legislation related to a wide range of land matters.
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