A new cooperative in the fishing village of Atabae is adding value to the daily catch to open up new markets and boost members' incomes. Salt, sun, and careful preparation turn their unsold sardines into a sought-after commodity. With help from Loroleon, a local NGO, members of the cooperative are also learning bookkeeping, marketing, and business management skills as they bring their product to consumers.

Local fishermen land many species of fish on Atabae's broad beach, but the plentiful sardines often don't find buyers. Instead of throwing away the unsold fish, members of the new cooperative salt and dry them. Halo maran ikan (salted, dried fish) is a popular food throughout Timor-Leste, and unlike fresh fish, stays in prime eating condition for up to four months.

The freshly caught sardines go straight from the beach to the cooperative's workshop where they are cleaned, salted, wrapped in special plastic, and put in the sun to dry. In good weather, the process takes only two or three days. According to a recent market survey commissioned by Loroleon, the dried fish will find ready buyers in several district capitals as well as in Dili, about an hour and a half away by truck. A national food distributor has already agreed to buy some of the group's output.

The cooperative has about 30 members. Several of them discussed their plans with U.S. Ambassador Grover Joseph Rees, who attended the formal opening of the project. With an eye to the future, members say they will set aside 20% of their income to cover the cooperative's recurring expenses and possible expansion.

USAID supports Loroleon's work with the Atabae cooperative through a grant of $11,400 for equipment, training, and supplies. The project will increase incomes among the cooperative's members, stimulate local economic activity, and expand rural employment opportunities.

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