DILI, 11 february, 2021 (TATOLI)- ADRA Ago Enterprises Farmers through FarMar project has benefited 34,000 family members to become self-sustained through agricultural intervention. This project links all community local products to markets.
According to the statement posted on the ARDA official site, (FarMar) project has been implemented from june 2018 to may 2023 working with 1,500 farming households in rural areas of the south-east. FarMar is funded by MFAT and ADRA New Zealand with a total budget of $2,100,000 USD.
The project goal is to grow the rural economy through market-orientated agro-enterprise and improve food security by aiming to connect smallholder farmers to identified value chains; increase yields, sales and cash reserves; and improve overall family well-being.
“The project will focus on three primary products: ginger, coconut, and candle nut. Through project activities, it is expected that markets will be better supplied, value chains strengthened, food security increased, and trade deficits reduced,” According to a note accessed by Tatoli today which was published in the official site of ADRA.
This project aims to assist 6,750 farming families and over 34,000 community members to become self-sustained through agricultural interventions.
The Farmers’ access to the Market project will increase both profitability and sustainability of agro-enterprises. This will result in increased incomes, financial resilience and food security among farmer households.
Further impacts include the sustainability of natural resources as well as strengthening of the local economy.
This is achievable through the training of farmers to improve agricultural and business knowledge, skills and practices.
Together, this increases the yield and quality of crops, as well as the availability of value-added products in the Market.
Timor-Leste is one of the poorest countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and the target District, Viqueque, is one of the most underdeveloped and marginalized in Timor-Leste. Lack of employment, alternative livelihood opportunities and underemployment are major causes of poverty and vulnerability.
This project aims to grow the Viqueque District rural economy through market-orientated agro-enterprise, particularly focused on ginger, candlenut and coconut value chains. It is expected that markets will be better supplied, value chains strengthened, food security increased, and trade deficits reduced.
“More importantly, farming families will experience a sustained engagement in the agricultural sector and life to the fullest,” Note concluded.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Rafy Belo
