Horticulture

Scoping for the implementation of plant health support in Timor-Leste

a-vegetable-stand-in-southeast-asia
map showing some countries of the Pacific, Timor-Leste, and Australia

Overview

This project will collaborate with local, national, and regional partners to propose options for a Timor-Leste plant health system to serve vegetable farmers and ensure inclusivity and social context.

A functional plant health system would assist in promoting healthy plants, preventing pests and diseases, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting vegetable farming, food security, and safety in a resource-constrained country.

The research will guide local partners in co-designing an effective plant health system, ensuring equitable access to knowledge, services, and resources through training and skill development in Timor-Leste.

Expected project outcomes

  • Characterising the plant health system in Timor-Leste related to vegetable production systems
  • Mapping of key stakeholders in the vegetable production system in Timor-Leste
  • Identifying the main challenges for extension services and for smallholder women farmers in the plant health system through interviews, advisory activities, and farm visits
  • Summarising the biosecurity issues related to the plant health system in the vegetable production system
  • Proposing an improved plant health system for vegetable growers that would contribute to reduced food loss, higher income, and food security in smallholder farming systems.

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