Dili, June 29, 2026 (Lusa) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $4.95 million in funding for a project that helps smallholder farmers adopt good agroforestry practices to improve coffee production and food security.

According to a press release issued on Friday, the funding comprises a $4 million (€3.5 million) grant from the Asian Development Fund and a $950,000 (around €834,000) grant from the Green Climate Fund.

The ADB emphasises that this amount will enable it to increase support for more than 2,000 households in the municipalities of Aileu, Bobonaro, Ainaro, Ermera, Liquiçá and Manufahi.

“Coffee is a cornerstone of rural livelihoods in Timor-Leste,” said Michael Walsh, the ADB’s acting country representative.

“The additional funding will help farmers adopt resilient practices, improve the quality and productivity of coffee, and create livelihood opportunities for women, men and young people,” he added, as quoted in the press release.

Coffee is Timor-Leste’s largest non-oil export, but productivity remains very low.

According to the ADB, the funding will enable more farmers to be trained, strengthen adaptation to extreme weather events and increase support for the livelihoods of women and young people in coffee-producing communities.

MSE/ADB // ADB.

Lusa