The revival of a derelict irrigation system has brought year-round water to the fields of more than 120 farming families in Waidada, Baucau district, east of Dili. The rebuilt dam and water channel now irrigate an area of about 150 hectares where the farmers grow vegetables, rice, corn, and coconuts.

The four-month project, managed by Caritas Deocesana Baucau, rebuilt the community's dam and irrigation channel. It also plans to reforest an area above the dam and build and stock a fishpond. The community contributed its labor, local materials, food for the laborers, and trees for the reforestation work.

To support the community's efforts, Caritas gave technical advice on the design and implementation of the project, mobilized the labor, and provided an engineer to supervise the activities. That support will continue now that the irrigation system is complete with agricultural development training and extension education for the farm families.

"There has been a good level of cooperation between Caritas and the community to finish this project," said Eldefonso da Costa Belo, one of Waidada's farmers. "By reestablishing this old water source our harvest will increase." Now the community's main concern for the future is how to get their extra crops to the market.

USAID/Timor-Leste supported the rehabilitation project with a grant of $32,324 to Caritas Deocesana Baucau. The project strengthens economic prospects for Waidada's farming community, improves food security, and expands availability at local markets.

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