Timor-Leste is just a young nation in Asia, and alongside its growth as a country are the growing pains of having poverty, food insecurity, and a low urbanization rate. Aside from that, the small island nation is also one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. From erratic rainfall patterns to drought, the country is facing escalating obstacles challenging its already lacking infrastructure. Fostering Timor-Leste’s climate resiliency is not just a priority but crucial for the country.
In an effort to improve climate resilience in rural Timor-Leste, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has authorized a $6 million grant as part of a larger $16.6 million initiative. Aside from that, the initiative also focuses on creating more livelihood opportunities for the rural areas as well as improving food and water security.
Stefania Dina, ADB country director for Timor-Leste, recognized the nation’s problems, like the impacts of climate change and disaster, and food insecurity. “By investing in rural communities, we aim to create pathways to a brighter and more sustainable future. Together, we can empower every farmer and family to thrive, fostering resilience and opportunity for generations to come,” she added.
According to Timor-Leste’s ADB Climate Risk Profile, the country’s mountainous environment and the West Pacific Monsoon have a significant impact on its tropical climate. Natural disasters like droughts, floods, landslides, and soil erosion pose a serious threat to the country. Climate change’s effects on the nation are exacerbated by rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and an increase in periods of intense rainfall. By the 2090s, Timor-Leste’s annual mean surface air temperatures are expected to rise by roughly 2.9°C under the RCP8.5 emissions scenario and by 0.9°C under the RCP2.6 emissions pathway.
At the same time, extreme weather events such as storms present a great risk to the young country. In 2021, Tropical Cyclone Seroja hit the communities in Timor-Leste, causing damage and losses to thousands. This catastrophe evacuated more than 30,000 households and killed 40 people. The disaster caused an estimated amount of $100 million in damages, according to a study by Oxfam in August 2023.
The project aims to strengthen communities and farmer groups through localized and disaster-resilient planning. This will include developing and adopting natural resources management for villages. Another way is by increasing the ability of village committees. This is to manage agriculture and natural resources adaptively, with at least 30% of them being women. This initiative also seeks to improve market connections and create a variety of livelihood options. Aside from these, it can also help increase farm and agroforestry output using climate-smart strategies.
Building or renovating water-related infrastructure would enhance the year-round availability of water for residential and other purposes and shield people, property, infrastructure, and livelihoods from frequent flooding and landslides. This would result in better water security in target communities. Through participatory landscape planning, local flood protection and erosion control structures will be designed and put into place.
This project will also develop and implement livelihood systems that are sustainable under climate change, aiding Timor-Leste’s climate resiliency. Developing adaptation tactics adapted to the unique local climate conditions, farming practices, and disaster risks.
About 46,000 individuals in the Manatuto municipality’s rural districts would benefit from the initiative. It adopts an inclusive strategy, with the government collaborating closely with local communities to develop and carry out a range of investments in agriculture, livelihood development, rural infrastructure, and capacity building.