USAID Timor-Leste's DAC Project supports improved nutrition and agricultural development

USAID/Developing Agricultural Communities

May 20, 2014 - The Trilateral Activity, jointly implemented by USAID/Timor-Leste's Developing Agricultural Communities (DAC) project and China Aid, conducted a training on nutrition, seed and crop storage, and marketing for 40 farmers and university students participating in the activity. Attendees learned about the economic and nutritional benefits of planting and consuming both maize and corn. The training in seed and produce storage is expected to increase productivity and reduce losses—both key aspects of food security.

USAID/Timor-Leste’s $8.3 million DAC project aims to link subsistence farmers to commercial markets and build their capacity to meet market demand for quality, quantity, and consistent agricultural production. Focusing on the farm-to-market value chain to improve the economic and social conditions of participating farmer households, DAC introduces innovative horticultural technology and equipment to farming communities, provides training to participant farmers to produce high-value crops, and increases access to markets. By connecting smallholder farmers to retail traders, DAC empowers farmers to demand better transportation and fairer prices to bring their products to market. In 2013, the 349 farmers participating in DAC more than doubled their production from the previous year. Original communities increased their total production by 183% and total revenue by 186%; while farmers new to DAC in 2013 increased their production and revenue by 466% and 517%, respectively.