Gonzales is optimistic about the future. Through Oxfam’s nutrition and health program Gonzales has learnt to plant a variety of seeds so he has food for his family and enough money to pay for his children’s school fees. In a country where people spend up to seventy per cent of their income on food, alternative food sources are life saving.
Oxfam is helping farmers like Gonzales plant drought-resistant crops. We're also teaching communities new and improved ways of farming that avoid the traditional "slash and burn" techniques which lead to soil erosion and deforestation.
Gonzales Mendoza, 46, member of the Oxfam-assisted vegetable garden group. Photo: Tom Greenwood/OxfamAUS
Farmers are trained in fertilising, composting and harvesting, which increases the yields of their crops so they have enough food to feed their families. Any surplus vegetables grown are then sold at markets to generate income.
With the skills and knowledge from the gardening group, Gonzales is teaching his children to plant a wide variety of vegetables. He believes that passing on the information from Oxfam to his children will mean a brighter future.
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Lorensa's story
With Oxfam's help Lorensa is growing better food for her family and also earning an income.
Adriana's story
With Oxfam's help Adriana has attended nutrition classes and set up a vegetable garden, so she can now grow essential food for her family.
Find out more about our work in Timor-Leste.
