EU Programme
Agroforestry skills for employment and resilience in Timor-Leste
The European Union (EU) “Agroforestry-Skills” programme seeks to promote green and sustainable economic diversification and resilience in Timor-Leste through private sector development, technical and vocational education training (TVET) for youth integration in the labour market.
Duration
1 September 2023 - 31 August 2027
Development partner(s)
European Union
Reference
TLS/23/01/EUR
Location
National
Contact
Nuncio da Costa Cruz, Programme Communication and M&E, [email protected]
Background
The Agroforestry Skills for Employment and Resilience Project ('Agroforestry Skills') is a four-year commitment by the European Union (EU) to provide skills training for production, processing and business development in selected agroforestry value chains in Timor-Leste. The project promotes economic diversification, climate resilience, and the just transition to a green and circular economy whilst supporting economic growth at the household, community and national levels in alignment with the priorities of the Government of Timor-Leste.
Objectives
The project’s main Objective are:
- Create and develop an 'observatory' of the Agroforestry Sector to identify the potential for green and circular economic development and opportunities for training and employment in the agroforestry sector.
- Improve the quality and inclusivity of agroforestry Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through the institutional development of training organisations and training programmes linked to labour market demands and sector skills needs. Increase the knowledge, skills and competences of managers, trainers and trainees of organisations delivering TVET in agroforestry in Timor-Leste, offering targeted training to improve farm productivity and to develop Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in agro-processing and commerce.
- Increase the knowledge, skills and competences of managers, trainers and trainees of organisations delivering TVET in agroforestry in Timor-Leste, offering targeted training to improve farm productivity and to devélop Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) in agro-processing and commerce.
- Integrate project beneficiaries into the labour market and employment, especially young adults and women, using digital platforms and employment facilitation services.
Implementation & Impact
Intensive research and consultation in the Design and Inception Phases of the Agroforestry Skills Project led to the initial selection and stakeholder validation of coconut, cocoa and vanilla as best bet' value chains for potential employment and commercial opportunities, especially for youth and women. 'Road Maps' produced by the project offer guidance on the strategic direction of agroforestry in Timor-Leste with more detailed analysis of the potential for business and future opportunities for training and employment in the sector. Agroforestry Skills will work with training providers and national training authorities to establish a sector skills working group to process labour market information and respond to training needs in agroforestry by developing appropriate TVET courses and qualifications.
The main thrust of the Agroforestry Skills Project is the development of practical, vocational skills in good agricultural practices, agro-processing, and business development for over 3,500 beneficiaries from rural communities by non-government and government training partners. This includes the use of Mobile Training Units to access more remote locations. The Project initially worked with training partners in Lautem, Baucau, Viqueque, Ermera and Aileu Municipalities and has extended support to Liquica and Manufahi.
Trainees in formal institutions will be offered a package of soft skills training and employment guidance. Access to online platforms will further facilitate their entry to the workplace. Trainees will be tracked and traced through training and into employment or further training. The Project assists the systemic strengthening of TVET in agroforestry by offering capacity building support to training centre leadership teams, including financial and business planning, as well as the training of trainers in generic and agroforestry specific competency-based training methodologies. The agroforestry training being developed allows for short modular courses suitable for delivery in informal or formal settings and possible certification as unit qualifications in longer programmes.
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