Developing commercial agriculture has the potential to enhance livelihoods and increase household incomes in rural Timor-Leste. Whilst TOMAK is already working with a variety of partners to support greater market access and engagement for Timorese farmers, it is also critical that farmers understand how agriculture works in a market economy.

To do this, TOMAK has begun working with partners at the Timor-Leste Institute for Business Support and Development (IADE) to design business training specifically for farmers. Over 3 days, IADE trainers worked with a TOMAK training consultant to familiarise themselves with a 3-module business training program for farmers. They also learned and practised a variety of facilitation methods.

TOMAK training consultant Joe Freach with IADE Director Beatriz Antónia dos Santos.

Each module of the training introduces basic business concepts and skills for farmers, using a series of interactive activities and real world examples. The training is designed for use in low literacy settings, with practical suggestions for how farming families can increase their planning and record keeping.

IADE trainers practice facilitating business training for farmers

With ongoing support from the Australian Government, IADE will commence business training with smallholder farmers in Baucau, Bobonaro and Viqueque municipalities over the coming months. Farmers with better business skills have the potential to grow their farms and can be more competitive in local, national and even international markets.

The first cohort of trainers from IADE are ready to facilitate business training specifically for farmers.

Resources:

‘Agribusiness: The Path to Prosperity’

• Module 1: Moving From Subsistence to Commercial Agriculture
• Module 2: Planning for the Family Farm
• Module 3: Business Skills