Timorese cacao farmers enhance their agricultural skills to improve their lives

Tibar, Liquica municipality, Timor-Leste (ILO News) - Twenty cacao farmers from Manufahi Municipality have successfully completed the 10-day Cacao Good Agricultural Practice Training, organized by the ILO’s Agroforestry Skills programme, funded by the European Union (EU). Held in Tibar, Liquica municipality from 23 September to 3 October, the training programme was conducted in collaboration with National Centre for Employment and Vocational Training Tibar (CNEFP Tibar) to improve farm skills of local farmers with sustainable agricultural techniques.

The combination of learning theory and practice is very beneficial for us, from making organic fertilizer to processing cocoa beans. Now I believe that I will produce cocoa beans of high quality.

Paulo da Costa, a cocoa farmer

During the training, participants learned how to care for their cacao trees using best practices, prepare organic fertilizers and manage each stage of production with a focus on quality and sustainability. They gained practical knowledge in selecting suitable sites with fertile, well-drained soils, adequate rainfall and partial shade; using high-yielding, disease-resistant planting materials; and preparing land while conserving beneficial shade trees.

Participants were also trained in planting seedlings, spacing them appropriately and supporting their growth with temporary shade crops. They learned how to apply compost or balanced fertilizers, retain soil moisture, prevent erosion, prune trees to improve air circulation and implement integrated pest and disease management through regular monitoring and proper sanitation.

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

They practiced harvesting only ripe pods using sharp tools to avoid damage, fermenting the beans, sun-drying them and storing them properly in dry bags. Sustainable practices were emphasized to enhance productivity, improve bean quality, and protect the environment –combining hands-on experience with practical theory. To ensure the application of newly acquired skills, facilitators from CNEFP Tibar provide on-site coaching to participating cocoa farmers.

“This is the very first training for cacao farmers from my Municipality. I am really grateful. Now I am skilled with all the essential techniques and tools to care for my cacao trees and produce better beans,” said Martina Santa Antones, a cacao farmer. While, similarly, another cacao farmer Paulo da Costa stated: “The combination of learning theory and practice is very beneficial for us, from making organic fertilizer to processing cocoa beans. Now I believe that I will produce cocoa beans of high quality.”

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

As an immediate and concrete follow-up, an implementation agreement was signed on 8 October between the ILO’s Agroforestry Skills Programme and the Cablaqui Community Development Center (CCDC) in Manufahi municipality to build the capacity of local cocoa farmers by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to improve their agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The agreement underscores the urgent need to enhance their skills and knowledge in good agricultural practices, quality assurance and market access to create a more resilient and competitive cocoa sector in the region.

Additionally, a demonstration plot will be established at CCDC Manufahi, which aims to become a future center of excellence for cocoa and vanilla farming.

I am really grateful. Now I am skilled with all the essential techniques and tools to care for my cacao trees and produce better beans.

Martina Santa Antones, a cacao farmer