"Through this cooperation and support from CIFOR and ICRAF, we will e able to establish a library at LAHO. These books will be hugely beneficial in adding knowledge to our staff and trainees," said Alfredo
A unique project in Timor Leste has provided a tangible demonstration of CIFOR and ICRAF impacting at grassroots level.
Through the Defense Cooperation Program of Australia (DCP), CIFOR and ICRAF, the World Agroforestry Centre, recently donated 53 books on agriculture to LAHO, a local community organization in Timor Leste.
LAHO runs a silk production program and a training center for mulberry and silkworm cultivation, as well as broader agricultural and horticultural programs, including forestry and propagation of fruit trees.
Alfredo Jeronimo Guterres, Project Manager for LAHO, spoke of his gratitude to CIFOR, ICRAF for their crucial support.
"I hope that through this cooperation and support from CIFOR and ICRAF, we will e able to establish a library at LAHO," said Alfredo. "These books will be hugely beneficial in adding knowledge to our staff and trainees" he added.
LAHO was established in 2000, with the Australian Government as the major funding partner. Its vision is to strengthen the Timor Leste agricultural sector through developing environmentally sustainable methods.
LAHO has been training approximately 35 agricultural farming groups within the Baucau District, among others.
The mission in the Baucau District, is to assist the local farmers and villagers in the development of successful silkworm cultivation and silk production through a program of training, technical assistance, maintenance and product marketing.
They have also constructed an orchard nursery and are currently, in the process of developing a nursery for the propagation of fruit trees.
The cooperation between LAHO and DCP was established in 2004, through the Australian Embassy in Timor Leste.
For the past seven years the Australian Government has also supported LAHO's activities in other ways, such as sending volunteers to work with LAHO in organizational development, management, marketing and agriculture programs.
Ensuring strong roots, through quality education, can only mean one thing for the farmers of Timor Leste - good growth.