(Tetun) The key to improving the livelihoods of farming families in Timor-Leste is to increase crop production and expand market access, according to a 2014 study by Monash University.
Such activities would enable families to produce enough food to meet their basic needs, to benefit from economies of scale and to reduce post-harvest losses by selling surplus production in a timely manner. (more…)
(Tetun) Ever wondered how many pigs are in each suco? Or how current rainfall compares to historic averages?
Well, wonder no longer! The research team at Seeds of Life has released nine interactive Google Earth maps featuring climate, soil and agricultural census data to answer these questions and more. (more…)
(Tetun) A new approach to communication for development will help low-literate farmers adopt improved agronomic practices in Timor-Leste.
Farmers who adopt new maize varieties developed by the Seeds of Life (SoL) program and Ministry of Agriculture (MAF) can expect significant yield increases if they use traditional cultivation methods. If they also apply appropriate agronomic practices (such as planting in lines, weeding, drying and storing seed in airtight containers etc.), even higher yield increases are achievable. But how do you teach these practices to farmers? (more…)
(Tetun) Seeds of Life’s efforts to improve food security in Timor-Leste have been praised in a recent aid evaluation report by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The SoL program was given a green rating – the highest possible – for its good progress in seed distribution and policy development, a result of strong collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF). (more…)
