Students at the National University of Timor-Leste now can attain a new qualification in practical field research techniques. The Graduate Certificate in Applied Social Science Research Methods is a six-month course that teaches students how to prepare sampling frames and questionnaires, conduct fieldwork, and use state-of-art technology such as geographic information systems and global positioning systems in their research and data presentations.

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.