Under CACAO, CCT will identify 19,000 Arabica, Robusta and cocoa farmers in the country’s western districts to receive seedlings and tools, including saws and pruning shears that are critical for effective farm rehabilitation, but largely unavailable in East Timor.

Participating farmers will also receive training from existing CCT extension staff on environmentally sustainable practices such as composting, erosion prevention and biological pest control that are compatible with organic and other ethical and sustainable production certifications. CACAO will work with select groups of local farmers to establish demonstration farms used for practical, on-field training, including business development skills, with a focus on women’s economic empowerment.

Activities

Seedling and Tools Distribution

Seedlings and tools, including saws and pruning shears that, according to the grant agreement, are “critical” for effective farm rehabilitation, but largely unavailable in East Timor, will be distributed to 19,000 farmers.

Demonstration Plots

CACAO will work with select groups of local farmers to establish demonstration farms for practical, on-field training.

CCT Extension Agent Trainings

Participating farmers will also receive training from existing CCT extension staff on environmentally sustainable practices such as:

• composting
• erosion prevention
• biological pest control

All techniques are compatible with organic and other ethical and sustainable production certifications.

Women’s Economic Empowerment

This project will prioritize the integration of activities that support women’s economic empowerment. With its focus on economic development, CACAO is expected to create close to 5,000 on-farm and seasonal jobs by its end.