(Tetum)Seeds of Life has just completed more than a decade of statistics training to MAF research staff. More than 30 research staff from all parts of Timor-Leste have been trained to analyse and present their own research data. For more than 10 years, Dr. Bernadetha Mitakda has travelled from Brawijaya University in Malang to teach the research staff. She gladly observed that ”All researchers have improved their statistical knowledge. They have better understanding of their data and the different statistical tools as well as proper interpretation of results of the analysis.”
Dr. Bernadetha photo gathering with MAF research staffs
These knowledge and skills are very important in their conduct of research activities and resulted in many new varieties identified for release and use by Timorese farmers. To date, 11 out of 12 MAF released varieties resulted from the work of MAF research staff. Seven varieties are recently proposed for release while 5 more are in the final stages of evaluation. Seeds of Life would like to thank Dr. Bernadetha for her untiring enthusiasm and top quality teaching over so many years.
Seeds of Life's short documentary film made a Columbia University students, Alexander Fertin, on the efforts to establish a commercial seed system and promote food security for the entire country.