In a pilot project to boost farm incomes and expand food supplies, 75 families in two Timor-Leste districts are fattening 150 young Bali cattle for market. The families are members of local cooperative groups supported by Cooperativa Cafe Timor (CCT), the country's largest cooperative organization. The young bulls will spend up to a year under the farmers' care and then be sold at market. Over time, CCT expects the projects to develop into profitable community ventures, offering rural families a new source of income.

Families in Loes and Hera are raising the cattle after learning zero grazing techniques. They have built special shelters for their cows and bring the fodder there. By keeping their cattle confined, farm families gain valuable time and resources that they would otherwise spend building and maintaining fences around their crops and gardens. Some studies estimate that farmers devote more than four hours a day to fence maintenance in areas where cattle roam free.

Using the zero grazing technique, farmers regain those hours, but they must spend some of that time collecting fodder for their cattle. CCT aims to help reduce fodder collection time by providing tree seedlings. Varieties of the Leucaena tree are especially valuable because they are fast growing, produce fodder high in nutrients, provide shade and moisture retention, and boost soil fertility for interplanting.

CCT based the Timor-Leste pilot projects on its successful cattle-growing project in West Timor. There more than 1,000 farm families are fattening 3,000 bulls for market. When the cattle have doubled their weight to 300 kilograms, they are ready to sell. Proceeds from the sale of each CCT bull will be divided three ways. First, the cost of buying a new yearling comes out of the selling price. Then the farmer takes 70% of the remaining profit. CCT receives 30% to cover the cost of transport, veterinary services, and technical training and support to the farmers. By setting aside the cost of a new yearling each time a CCT bull goes to market, the community group will be able continue its activities. CCT anticipates that farmers will use their profits from the sale of the CCT project cattle to buy their own cattle.

According to CCT Production Technician Fernando Candido, the Loes pilot project has already attracted the attention of other farmers in the area. "Although we haven't finished the pilot project with our first 50 farmers, a lot of other farmers are interested in joining," he said. "I have explained to them that there is a lot of work to do before more cattle can come here: establishing community farmers' groups, training, identifying adequate sources of fodder for the cattle, and building shelters for them. The farmers still want to join."

USAID supports CCT through a partnership with the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA). NCBA helps CCT manage its diverse activities, including coffee production and export, business training, and a nationwide network of primary health clinics. CCT's cattle projects further USAID's efforts to expand business opportunities and generate income among Timor-Leste's rural residents.