ACIAR-supported project is working to enhance water and food security in Timor-Leste through nature-based, integrated water management solutions.
Access to reliable water and nutritious food remains a major challenge for many communities in Timor-Leste, especially in rural areas. Around 1 in 4 people face crisis levels of food insecurity, and nearly half of children under 5 experience stunted growth. Water scarcity, limited storage infrastructure and climate variability make it difficult for families to produce enough food and maintain healthy livelihoods.
The research, led by the University of New South Wales, will be implemented across 6 municipalities representing 3 distinct climate zones. It will combine social science and hydrological research to understand how communities can better manage water resources.
The project will work with the National University of Timor Lorosa'e, municipal governments and the local NGO Permatil to build local research and technical capacity while supporting community-led initiatives in catchment management.
'We are grateful for ACIAR's support. We are privileged to work with Permatil and UNTL and share knowledge and experience on ways to work with community, build capacity in hydrology and social science methods and importantly contribute to improved food and water security in Timor-Leste,' said Director of the UNSW Global Water Institute, Professor Greg Leslie.
'This important research initiative, implemented in partnership with Permatil across Timor-Leste, empowers evidence-based water restoration and catchment management using nature-based solutions,' said Executive Director of Permatil, Mr Ego Lemos.
'The evidence generated through this work contributes meaningfully to the development of Timor-Leste as a whole,' added Mr Lemos.
Key activities include training in survey and hydrological monitoring methods, evaluating the effectiveness of community land and water management practices and fostering networks for rainfall and groundwater monitoring. The findings will inform local and national policies to strengthen the resilience of water and food systems.
'ACIAR's support reflects the Australian Government's commitment to working in partnership with Timor-Leste to build sustainable livelihoods and resilience to climate challenges,' said ACIAR Research Program Manager for Social Systems, Policy and Economics, Dr Todd Sanderson.
'By combining scientific research with local knowledge, this project will help identify practical solutions that improve access to water, boost food production and enhance community well-being, contributing to Timor-Leste's national goals for food and nutrition security,' said Dr Sanderson. 'Both Australia and Timor-Leste share challenges with water security which will likely be amplified by climate change, and there many opportunities to co-develop community-level solutions for applications in both countries.'
Learn more about this project.
