Timor-Leste’s soils are low in many nutrients and minerals that fertile soil requires. The continued practice of traditional slash and burn methods have further degraded the soils leading to Timor-Leste’s average crop yields being some of the lowest in Asia. ADRA’s agriculture programming teaches farmers about soil conservation, how to make mulch and compost and return nutrients to the soils making the soils healthier and better able to retain water. Farmers are seeing the benefits of increased harvests and higher quality products that provide better nutrition to their families and can be sold for higher prices.
