"I used to earn around 60 dollars in a week from the produce but now I am able to earn between 200 and 300 dollars!"

Small scale subsistence farming is commonplace across Timor-Leste. It affords families both an income and, if the season permits, access to nutritious food. However, some of small scale farmers don’t have access to new technologies and information about best-practice farming, as new methods emerge or improve over time.

44 years old, Mrs. Marilia lives in the mountainous Lautem Municipality in Timor-Leste. The region has sufficient water and fertile land, which is great for farming, however, traditional methods that have been used in the area, including tree clearing, has led to land degradation and the serious threat of disaster, including landslides.

Marilia stand proudly in her circle garden. The gardening technique training she received as part of the Disaster READY program has increased her yield and subsequently her income. PHOTO: Basilio da Costa/Plant International Timor-Leste

Marilia was grateful to have the opportunity to join modern agriculture technique training, run by non-governmental organization Fraterna, and supported by Disaster READY partner’s Plan International and ChildFund.

“As a widow, I am happy to participate in the training,” Marilia said. “It does enhance my knowledge and abilities. These are applied in my own farm and around the house. As a result, the vegetables that I plant using the technique brings good income for my family.”

Through the training, Marilia and other farmers from her community strengthened their skills in appropriate farming techniques, as well as practices to ensure they are protecting the surrounding environment. The skills that were strengthened through the training include, key-hold gardening training, trench garden training, and circle gardening.

Most importantly, it helps the community members like Marilia to apply in their own farm aiding her family’s income. The produce from her farm helps her to sell to pay for her children’s school and domestic needs. “I sell the produce in market but at the same time, the neighbour come and buy directly from the farm. I use the money to buy our family’s needs and also pay for my children’s school fees.”

With the support of the Australian Government, this Disaster READY initiative has been implementing in four areas in Lautem Municipality since 2019. Activities include risk assessment, socialisation, and training for communities and schools on how to mitigate and prevent potential disaster risks that threaten the community.

Marilia farms water spinach, lettuce, and cabbage. Since the training, Marila has happily reported an increase in income, “I used to earn around 60 dollars in a week from the produce but now I am able can earn between 200 and 300 dollars! The farm serves as a permanent income to my family with appropriate agriculture technique and good water.” said Marilia.

Marilia hopes to diversify more to other opportunities. “I hope I am able to have my own fishponds and sell fish at the market.” She said.