Increasing on-farm labour productivity for sustainable production, nutrition and inclusive livelihood gains in Timor-Leste

This four year ACIAR-funded project will work with University of Timor-Leste, target communities and other partners to increase on-farm labour productivity in Timor-Leste. It will increase yield, reduce labour input or both. On-farm labour continues to reduce as people seek better opportunities; the remaining farmers must produce more each day to sustain production, and current methods are generally laborious.

The project places six target communities at the centre of the research. They guide choosing research questions, assess how trialled innovations could be adopted or adapted, and guide refinements.

The project should free-up household time; more time to earn income, gain skills or an improved lifestyle.