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For a detailed map of Timor-Leste, click on the red box above.
Oxfam Australia has been supporting long-term development work in Timor-Leste since 1975. We work in three districts to improve people's access to basic services; ensure marginalised groups have the opportunity to take part in decisions that affect their lives; and address the root causes of conflict to build lasting peace.
Our focus
We work in partnership with local organisations, community groups and the Government (the ministries of health, social solidarity, agriculture and fishery, and infrastructure) on the following projects:
Sustainable livelihoods
More than 40 per cent of Timorese people live below the poverty line and the majority of families in rural areas are reliant on subsistence agriculture and a complex system of barter and trade. While rice and maize are staple foods, Timor-Leste is unable to produce enough to meet the population's needs. We are supporting families and communities to:
- Terrace land that is otherwise not suitable for cultivation, and protect land from further erosion
- Plant kitchen and market gardens that provide a diversity of food for family consumption and trading at local markets
- Use natural fertilizer and pesticides that enhance production while not degrading the land
- Learn and experience alternative agricultural techniques, including higher yielding seed varieties, to improve production
- Develop seed banks
- Access markets
Improved access to basic services
Infant and under-five mortality rates are relatively high in comparison to the region due to high rates of preventable illnesses such as malaria and diarrhea. Contaminated drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor nutrition also exacerbate health risks. We work in partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste and local partner organisations to improve:
- Health care by supporting mobile health clinics to travel to remote communities and training volunteer health workers
- The nutritional status of infants and young children by providing improved information on nutrition, cooking demonstrations, seeds for vegetable and fruit gardens and supplementary food to malnourished children in remote areas
- Access to safe water and sanitation facilities by supporting the construction and ongoing maintenance of family latrines and community water supply systems in rural communities
Safety from conflict and disaster
In April and May 2006, approximately 150,000 people were displaced from their homes in Dili as a result of political instability and insecurity with an estimated 70,000 people moving into temporary camps. We responded immediately and continue to support people to live safely and resolve insecurity and distrust that has emerged between communities. Find out more
Women’s empowerment and gender equity
Literacy rates, education levels, formal employment and political participation are all low for East Timorese women. We work with women and men to increase women’s participation and support an environment where women are empowered to be decision makers and politically active, and to make changes to their lives.
Domestic violence rates are high in Timor-Leste. We work with women and men to eliminate domestic violence and are advocating for a strong legal and judicial framework to support women who are victims of violence. We also involve men in a range of projects that are traditionally focused on women such as nutrition and reproductive health.
Community participation in development
We support a number of initiatives with civil society organisations including the monitoring of budget and petroleum revenues, development of policies aimed at reducing poverty and monitoring of key areas of legislation. We also support positive partnerships between government and civil society which aim to reduce poverty in Timor-Leste.
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Stories & photos
Food crisis in Timor-Leste
Zulito and his brother Tarziso, who live in the village of Kader Ombucal, are malnourished. They are among thousands of children in Timor-Leste who are not getting enough to eat.
Timor women create history
Oxfam's Maureen Bathgate meets some inspirational women who have been elected to village councils for the first time.
