From tradition to transformation: A young Timorese farmer’s journey into vanilla cultivation

LIQUICA, Timor-Leste (ILO Story) - At just 22 years old, Demenicio Dodi, a university student at the Oriental University of Timor-Leste (UNITAL), majoring in nutrition, has a strong passion for agriculture, particularly vanilla farming. Coming from an agricultural family, he previously cultivated vanilla with his father on their family farm in Liquiçá, Timor-Leste, and has now gone on to establish his own farm.

His enthusiasm has continued to flourish since attending two rounds of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, organized by the ILO-European Union (EU) Agroforestry Skills Programme—first in October 2024 and again in June 2025. These sessions were led by renowned Belgian vanilla expert Daniel Stassen, widely known as “Mister Vanilla.”

© ILO

© ILO

Before attending the training, Demenicio and his father managed their farm using traditional methods. Unpredictable weather and plant health issues were major challenges that often led to inconsistent yields. However, after gaining knowledge from the first GAP training, covering seedling preparation, looping vanilla stalks, mulching, shading and proper pollination, he began to see positive changes. His vanilla plants are now thriving and he feels more equipped to handle weather variations and plan for better-quality harvests.

“I have learned a great deal and gained a thorough understanding of how to cultivate healthy and productive vanilla plants. As I grow my own vanilla on my farm, I have been putting those lessons into practice. I also share what I have learned with my father and a few neighboring farmers,” he said.

I see the potential of vanilla, not just for myself and my family, but for my community and my country, Timor-Leste. That’s why I’m always eager to learn and enhance my skills from anyone, anywhere.

Demenicio regularly shares the insights he gained from the training with his father and neighbouring farmers. He hopes that his knowledge will contribute to improving the income and livelihoods of his family and the surrounding community through vanilla farming.

“I see the potential of vanilla, not just for myself and my family, but for my community and my country, Timor-Leste. That’s why I’m always eager to learn and enhance my skills from anyone, anywhere,” he added.

© ILO

© ILO

The second training further expanded his knowledge and skills in key post-harvest practices such as sorting and grading, water killing, in-box sweating, sun curing, and in-shed curing. He also learned proper harvesting techniques, how to process vanilla beans and gained valuable insights into the dynamics of the vanilla market.

He made the most of the hands-on opportunities during the training, practicing curing techniques and benefiting from field visits to two vanilla farms in Ermera Municipality, where he observed real-life demonstrations and applied techniques for harvesting, seasonal plant care, and post-harvest handling.

As I look toward the future, I am determined to complete my degree, earn my diploma and continue enhancing my vanilla farming skills. I aim to begin selling my own vanilla beans soon and eventually establish my own business.

“I want to see more young people starting their own businesses, especially in agriculture. We don’t need to go abroad to find jobs—our country has great potential if we’re willing to work and learn,” he said, expressing his hope that more youth would harness the opportunities within Timor-Leste’s land to become smart and productive farmers.

Now approaching graduation, Demenicio is busy balancing his university studies with his farming efforts. “As I look toward the future, I am determined to complete my degree, earn my diploma and continue enhancing my vanilla farming skills. I aim to begin selling my own vanilla beans soon and eventually establish my own business,” he concluded with a hopeful determination.