Timor-Leste remains one of the most challenging places in the world to farm. Over 70 per cent of the population rely on agriculture for their income, yet the terrain is extraordinarily difficult, with just 30 per cent being arable land. Traditional farming techniques yield inconsistent, poor-quality crops, which means the vast majority of Timorese live with chronic food insecurity. In fact, nearly half of all Timorese children under five suffer from malnutrition.
Jesuit Mission Australia’s Food Security programme, run by Jesuit Social Service in Timor-Leste, is dramatically changing lives and futures for farming families. Every year, over 400 farmers are trained and supplied with the skills, materials, and support they need to improve harvests, be food secure, and fuel better futures.
Bartolomeu, a 30-year-old husband and father of two, knows firsthand the impact of this programme. Just two years ago, his family faced chronic food insecurity, struggling daily to put meals on the table. Today, thanks to innovative training in sustainable farming and farming support, Bartolomeu’s farm not only provides nutritious meals for his family, but he has enough to sell to market and have a reliable income.
“The training we’ve received has been invaluable,” Bartolomeu says. “From growing vegetables to making organic fertilisers and managing irrigation, this knowledge has been a game-changer for us.”
Jesuit Mission CEO Helen Forde highlights the profound impact donations can make in Timor-Leste, where many families survive on an average income of just A$2.40 per day.
“A donation can help provide essential training in sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and organic farming techniques to Timorese farmers,” shares Forde. “Through the programme we also support the development of cooperatives, enabling communities to save for the future and create lasting change.”
Forde echoes the words of Pope Francis: “Solidarity is not the sharing of crumbs from the table, but to make space at the table for everyone.”
“With your generosity, more Timorese families like Bartolomeu’s can build thriving farms, fill their plates with nutritious food, and secure a brighter future for generations to come,” says Forde.
This Christmas, make space at the table for Timorese families.
To donate, visit https://jesuitmission.org.au/give/food/.