Timor-Leste

Region: Asia and the Pacific

  • Assessing Vulnerabilities and Resilience in Border Communities in Timor-Leste Through the Human Security Approach in the Context of COVID-19

    Duration: December 2021 - October 2024
    Budget: US$297,223
    Implementing Agencies: IOM (lead), UNICEF

    The COVID-19 pandemic reversed development gains worldwide, increasing inequalities within and between countries. In Timor-Leste, remote border communities—already facing multiple, interconnected vulnerabilities—were particularly affected. Even before the pandemic, these communities struggled with limited access to essential services such as clean water, healthcare, and education. The closure of borders and severe travel restrictions disrupted daily life, cutting off cross-border trade—a key source of economic stability for many. As a result, livelihoods were strained, and access to basic necessities became even more challenging, underscoring the need for targeted, community-driven solutions to build resilience and support long-term recovery.​
     

     

     
  • A group of young women sit on a blue plastic sheet. They are using pens to write in books. There is money on the floor in front of them.

    Community Mobilization for Poverty Reduction Social Inclusion and Service Delivery

    Duration: March 2010 - August 2013
    Budget: US$4,203,100
    Implementing Agencies: UNDP (lead), UNICEF, WFP, FAO, ILO, UNFPA

    Decades of violent conflict and civil unrest had destroyed much of the country’s infrastructure and economy and led to the deaths of more than 100,000 people when Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002. While significant gains had been made towards consolidating peace and development during the first years of independence, the people of Timor-Leste still faced serious human security challenges
     

     

     
  • A smiling child holds a spoon in front of the camera.

    Human security in rural Timor-Leste

    Duration: May 2005 - July 2008
    Budget: US$1,614,630
    Implementing Agencies: DESA

    With the aim to increase productivity and contribute to greater economic and food security in rural communities in Timor-Leste, the programme improved technical and entrepreneurial skills in agriculture, livestock, fishing and eco-tourism, and strengthened community-based management of water and energy resources.
     

     

     

  • 100 Schools Programme: Securing Lifelines and Livelihoods for Children of East Timor

    Duration: February 2005 - December 2007
    Budget: US$1,169,964
    Implementing Agencies: UNICEF

    In an effort to increase enrolment and improve the retention rates of children attending primary schools, the programme’s overall goal was to increase the quality of primary education. The programme enhanced the competency of teachers and built capacities at the village level to mobilise communities to become more involved in the educational process.
     

     

     
  • A large group of individuals stand on a hill surrounded by dirt, trees and huts. They are standing with two metal containers and bags of rice.

    Reduction of post-harvest losses

    Duration: November 2003 - November 2004
    Budget: US$379,606
    Implementing Agencies: FAO

    The programme sought to reduce post-harvest losses through technical training and capacity-building of farmers in vulnerable communities. The programme established seed-storage facilities in rural areas vulnerable to natural disasters.
     

     

     

  • Ainaro and Mantuto community activation programme

    Duration: January 2002 - July 2007
    Budget: US$5,132,499
    Implementing Agencies: UNDP

    To increase food security and to improve the incomes of poor households in Ainaro and Mantuto districts of Timor-Leste, the programme aimed to enhance agricultural productivity and improve sustainability of subsistence farming.
     

     

     
  • A group of men, women and children stand in a dirt paddock with their arms folded. One woman is holding a baby in a sling. There is a hut and mountain in the background.

    Urgent maize and rice seed multiplication at rural community level in Timor-Leste

    Duration: April 2000 - February 2002
    Budget: US$819,444
    Implementing Agencies: FAO

    Divided into two phases, the programme intended to mitigate food insecurity and foster rural development in the immediate post-conflict recovery period in Timor-Leste by way of supplying maize and rice seeds to boost crop production, promoting improved seed production techniques and crop diversification, and developing better seed storage facilities locally.