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International Collaboration
Focuses on Agricultural Improvements (July 21, 2004) |
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Two
international organizations are working to improve agricultural
productivity in Timor-Leste through a collaborative program that
brings innovative techniques to Timor-Leste's farmers. The University
of Hawaii (UHA) and the US-based National Cooperative Business
Association (NCBA) have joined forces to establish tree seedling
production, develop improved farming practices, and provide research
and extension training on sustainable farming practices for workers
and farmers.
NCBA supports Cooperativa Cafe Timor (CCT), Timor-Leste's largest
cooperative organization and producer of coffee. CCT is also involved
in expanding vanilla production and improving cattle-raising skills.
It has a membership of more than 20,000 farm families. To support
its agricultural activities, CCT runs a seedling nursery in Dili
that can produce up to a million seedlings each year. Seedlings
include shade trees for coffee, host trees for vanilla vines,
and fodder trees for cattle.
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Nursery workers Juventus Nahak (left) and Eduardo da Silva
Amaral tend tree seedlings at CCT's nursery.
Photo by Lisa Rogers, USAID/DAI
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UHA has been working in agroforestry, watershed management, and
land use across Timor-Leste. Its team specializes in research into
the tree species most suited to the country's climate and topography
and the needs of its farmers. It is also experienced in training
extension workers and farmers in improved techniques and management.
Based on its research and results from test plots, UHA will supply
tree seeds and technical assistance to CCT. Once the seedlings are
ready to be planted, CCT will use its wide-reaching distribution
network and membership database to deliver the trees and the techniques
to farmers across the country.
UHA and NCBA are implementing partners in USAID's economic growth
program. UHA builds skills through alliances with institutions
such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and
the National University of Timor-Leste. It also conducts research
and provides training to farmers and agricultural communities.
Through its management support of CCT, NCBA helps the organization
increase coffee production and exports, introduce new agricultural
products, such as vanilla, and expand its small business training
activities and network of primary health care clinics. These activities
help improve Timor-Leste's agricultural base, increase its high-value
exports, boost economic activity, and generate income for its
farm families.
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