Across the hills of Timor-Leste, farmers are coming together to transform their communities – from small-scale producers struggling to make ends meet, to strong, organised movements driving food sovereignty, sustainability, and local democracy. Since 2016, Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA has worked with three local partners to support thousands of farmers to strengthen their organisations, protect their land, and build collective livelihoods.
Farmers’ unions growing stronger together
When this project began, most farmers in Timor-Leste worked independently, without access to markets, training, or a political voice. As isolated subsistence farmers, they were particularly vulnerable to erratic weather and unstable markets. Today, that has changed.
With the support of our local partners — Institutu Edukasaun Popular (IEP), Kdadalak Sulimutuk Institute (KSI), and Uniaun Agrikultor Ermera (UNAER) — farmers are now organised in six municipal farmers’ unions, 199 grassroots base committees (local groups), and a National Agrarian Reform Commission (KNRA) representing more than 12,600 farmers. These structures give rural communities a voice in advocating for land rights, fair prices, and better agricultural policies. Through regular reflection sessions, field visits, and shared training, the project has strengthened a new generation of local leaders who are building their skills and confidence as advocates for their communities.
Learning to lead: The popular schools of agroecology
Education is at the heart of this transformation.
Two farmer-run training centres — the Fulidaidai-Slulu Institute of Economics (IEFS) in Ermera and the Popular School of Agroecology (EPA) in Betano — are now recognised hubs of agroecological and cooperative learning. Providing alternative education to young people and farmers who are unable to access higher education, students learn practical farming and business skills alongside lessons in leadership, collective management, advocacy, and social justice.
Graduates then put their learning into practice — managing cooperatives, leading base committees and unions, working with NGOs, and even taking on local government roles. In 2024–25, 58 students graduated from these schools, with 18 new Timorese facilitators trained to continue the work.
“Young people are the hope for the agricultural sector as the backbone of Timor’s economy when offshore oil runs out… Prioritise their education and training so that they become a generation of quality, knowledge, and good attitude as a fertiliser for Timor-Leste’s future.”
— Leo Soares, KSI
Cooperatives creating fair and sustainable livelihoods
Economic empowerment has been another major achievement.
Across nine municipalities, farmers have formed 14 cooperatives, including the Federation of Solidarity Economy (FES) — a network of over 468 households organised under 15 base committees that now exports Timor’s prized organic coffee to Japan. Linking producers directly with ethical buyers and ensuring transparency in pricing and quality standards, FES is helping coffee growers earn fair prices while reinvesting profits back into local communities. Although it’s just getting started, FES has already shipped more than 100 tonnes of coffee to Japan and is exploring new markets, including Australia.
“This is not just about buying coffee. It’s about valuing the work of our farmers and investing in local production systems that benefit communities — not corporations.”
— Jenito Santana, KSI Co-Director of Social Enterprise and Cooperatives
Base committees have also launched savings and loans groups and small enterprises that are boosting rural incomes. Annual earnings now range between USD $2,000 and $20,000 per group — funds that are reinvested in land, vehicles, tools, and children’s education. For families who once lived on unstable incomes, these changes are life-changing, creating resilience and pride through collective effort.
Protecting the land that sustains them
Timor-Leste’s farmers are not only improving their livelihoods, but they’re also protecting the environment that sustains them. Through community-led action, farmers have conserved 21 water sources, restored degraded land, and expanded agroecological farming that combines traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices. In Betano, the Agroecology School has become a model centre for soil conservation and seed banking, while new integrated farming centres in Bobonaro, Liquica, and Covalima are promoting environmentally sound and climate-resilient production.
Inclusion, leadership, and solidarity
Women are playing an increasingly active role in the farmers’ unions and cooperatives, supported by targeted leadership training and community awareness sessions. The project also works to include youth and people with disabilities in all aspects of its work — from training to cooperative participation — helping ensure that no one is left behind. While challenges remain in achieving gender balance in leadership roles, the foundation for more inclusive rural organising is firmly in place.
Looking to the future
An independent evaluation in 2025 found that the project has delivered “tangible improvements in rural livelihoods, organisational capacity, and sustainable agriculture.” It praised the program’s long-term solidarity model, where development is led by local people and guided by principles of fairness, equality, solidarity, and ecological responsibility.
As this phase concludes, the next is already taking shape: a plan to establish a national farmers’ union, expand integrated agroecological centres, and develop a long-term vision for a Popular Agroecological University in Timor-Leste.
Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA’s Country Manager in Dili, Elisabeth Lino De Araujo, reflected:
“This work isn’t just about growing crops — it’s about growing democracy and dignity from the ground up.”
This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), with contributions from Australian unions and APHEDA members and supporters.
