LocationsHow Small Grants Programme is supporting rural communities livelihoods across Timor-Leste
Seeds of Change
September 6, 2024
Grupu Komunidade Hadomi Futuru, Ilimano
Indigenous community rebuilds livelihoods in Aldeia Ilimano
In the remote village of Ilimano, located in the Uma Caduac Suco of Manatuto municipality, the Grupu Komunidade Hadomi Futuru (GKHF) is a small indigenous community that faced a devastating setback when African swine fever wiped out their pig herd. Determined to rebuild, the group’s leader, Mr. Bere Hunuk, who is illiterate, sought the help of a friend to write a proposal for SGP funding. Their efforts paid off, and they successfully secured funds to reinvest in pig farming and explore dragon fruit production as a way to diversify their income.
UNDP recently visited the community to witness the early stages of their initiative, which includes land preparation and the construction of pig enclosures. The excitement among the community members is palpable as they embark on this journey to restore their livelihoods and create a more sustainable future for their families. The support from SGP has not only provided financial assistance but also renewed hope and resilience within this community.
Vegetable garden in Triloca
New Drip Irrigation System Revives Suco Triloca's Farms
In the remote suco of Triloca, Baucau municipality, a committed farmers group is transforming their land with the support of NGO Timor Verde. Once struggling to make ends meet, this farmers group is now thriving, earning up to $5,000 from tomatoes alone. This success is driven by the implementation of an innovative drip irrigation system that optimizes water use and reduces labor. Originally only populated with mahogany, teak, and fruit trees (orange, jackfruit, breadfruit), the land has now blossomed into a thriving vegetable garden as well, where farmers experiment with new crops like corn. This project serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how innovative farming practices can dig new opportunities to change lives.
Fruit Trees in Laivai
Farmers Reclaim Fertile Grounds in Laivai
The coastal area of Laivai, Lautém municipality, has challenging dry conditions that contrast sharply with the fertile lands along hillside slopes and rivers. Despite the land's potential, many farmers had abandoned it, either due to migration to urban areas or lack of capacity and resources. And the ones who stayed mostly focused on planting crops which require a long time to produce and safe to grow during rainy season. The programme has brought renewed hope, enabling farmers to clear and cultivate these lands, turning them into productive soils once again. With a focus on expanding papaya plantations, this initiative is helping the community take advantage of the agricultural heritage, ensuring food security, and improving livelihoods.
Dragon Fruit in Fuiloro, Los Palos
Youth Led Agricultural Potential
Dragon fruit is a tropical plant known for its striking appearance and sweet taste that thrives in coastal areas with ample water and well-drained soil. It is a high-value crop that can be harvested annually for up to 20 years, making it a popular new commodity for farmers in this Timor-Leste.
In suco Fuiloro, Lospalos village, the Juventude Desenvolve Pitaya Lautem youth group transformed their abandoned farmland into a flourishing dragon fruit plantation with the support of the SGP funding. The group’s efforts have yielded over a thousand dollars, proving the potential of this new crop to boost local incomes. By integrating dragon fruit into their farming practices, they’ve not only revitalized their land but also demonstrated the impact of innovative agriculture on community development.
Women working on SGP agriculture initiatives
Empowering Women’s Role
In many Timorese communities, traditional roles often place the burden of earning a living on men, while women manage household duties. This division of labor can leave women vulnerable, especially during times of food shortages or economic hardship.
By supporting women’s groups in applying for grants and encouraging their active participation in project activities, SGP aims to enhance their skills and knowledge in improving household economies. Through these efforts, women are empowered to play a central role in their families’ economic well-being, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.
About he Small Grants Programme (SGP)
Established by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP, SGP is a global initiative that supports rural communities in addressing environmental challenges while enhancing their livelihoods. Since 2012, SGP Timor-Leste has been empowering communities across the country, including in Oe-cusse and Atauro, with financial and technical assistance. The program focuses on climate change mitigation, water protection, land conservation, and biodiversity protection. Through collaborative efforts with NGOs and CBOs, SGP aims to foster sustainable development, resilience, and positive community transformation.
In April, total of 10 Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and 7 Community-based Organizations (CBOs) have received grants totaling $270,000 for implementing 17 impactful projects aimed at improving environmental resilience and community livelihoods in rural areas of Lautem, Viqueque, Baucau, Manatuto, Manufahi, Bononaro Atauro, and Oé-cusse regions.
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