East Timor

Research Priorities

Food crops

Under the first phase of the Seeds of Life (SoL) project, which commenced in 2001, improved stocks of staple food crops (sweetpotato, maize, rice, peanut and cassava) were identified through field trials in both lowland and highland environments of East Timor. In 2005, AusAID and ACIAR jointly sponsored a 5-year second phase of Seeds of Life (SoLII), focusing on the introduction and evaluation of improved crop varieties while devoting more resources to: seed production; identification of improved crop management techniques; farmer participation in selecting crop varieties; and training of MAF staff and others in seed production, crop research and extension. Five CGIAR centres and other institutions continue to supply genetic stocks and expertise to maintain the variety pipeline. NGOs are increasingly involved in dissemination of selected and released varieties that are locally well adapted, with tolerance or resistance to the commonly encountered pests and diseases, and highly robust to stresses associated with variation in climate and soil. These adaptive traits are combined with high levels of consumer acceptance.

Livestock

MAF’s goal for East Timor’s livestock sector is ‘a productive and well-serviced sector which is integrated into the nation’s agricultural production systems, provides nutritional animal products to satisfy local demand, increases farmers’ incomes, and contributes to the nation’s export earnings’. ACIAR is assisting MAF achieve this goal by supporting a medium-term livestock research-for-development program. The program has a 10-year vision and a strategy consisting of on-station testing and on-farm adaptation of small-scale livestock production and health management technologies (especially cattle, goats and pigs) developed in similar biophysical conditions and farming systems in South-East Asia (especially Indonesia).

Fisheries

East Timor has considerable potential to improve food security through sustainable fisheries and increased aquaculture production, but lacks a coherent policy framework and investment strategy to optimise opportunities and minimise threats. A strategic approach to fisheries and aquaculture development is, however, required to best serve the aspirations of East Timor and to avoid the pitfalls of ad hoc initiatives.