Dili, April 30, 2026 (Lusa) – The non-governmental organisation (NGO) La'o Hamutuk (Walking Together, a local development watchdog) released a study in Dili on Thursday showing climate change is not the only factor for agricultural and social problems in Timor-Leste among the districts of Viqueque, Manufahi and Oecussi.
"Other equally important factors exist, including existing structural problems like food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty, unemployment, dependence on food imports, water scarcity, declining soil productivity and limited human capacity," the study says.
La'o Hamutuk researchers said in the study, "Climate Change Impact on the Agriculture Sector and Social Problems", that climate change is a "factor that aggravates existing challenges" with "direct impacts on household economies and negative consequences for women and children."
The document says government and development partner programmes to increase resilience are well-designed, but implementation has yet to help farmers "exit the cycle of difficulties they face." "Many of these programmes offer only temporary assistance, helping communities adapt to the current situation, but do not promote long-term resilience," the NGO says.
The organisation says this occurs because national plans lack "detailed feasibility studies" and the political leadership does not consider the agricultural sector "strategic for the country's future."
In the document, the NGO proposes a "strategic shift" in approach and recommends the government design policies and programmes that respond to "real problems faced by farmers" and conduct feasibility studies.
The study also suggests the government conserve seeds, evaluate introduced agricultural mechanisation systems and balance the labour force in areas needing it most, particularly in direct support to farmers.
"The government must ensure that development partner interventions align with government programmes," the report says, adding that authorities should handle climate change across several sectors.
La'o Hamutuk recommends that development partners promote community resilience through programmes that involve the communities and respect traditional knowledge and local vulnerabilities.
The study says families should promote agricultural practices that encourage a varied, nutritious and balanced diet and reduce the exclusive dependence on rice, the staple food for people in Timor-Leste.
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