Development assistance in Timor-Leste
Security and stability are essential for human and economic development. Australia's investments recognise the importance of building resilience in human security and state security, and the importance of professional and accountable defence and security institutions.
TOMAK (To'os ba Moris Diak) – Farming for Prosperity
Up to $20 million (Phase 2, 2022-2026)
The TOMAK (To'os ba Moris Di'ak) Program is a nutrition-sensitive agricultural development initiative that aims to enhance food security, nutrition, and the livelihoods of rural households through productive, profitable, and resilient agriculture.
TOMAK is implemented in partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry; National Institute of Health Public Timor-Leste (INSPTL) under the Ministry of Health; Secretary of State for Equality; and municipal authorities), the national organisation for people with disabilities, Ra'es Hadomi Timor Oan (RHTO), and the private sector. Our partnerships support sustainable institutional capacity development, quality and effective investment, policy development and development partner coordination.
To support improved livelihoods, food security, and nutrition at the household level, TOMAK implements integrated activities to enhance household savings, access to finance for Agri-investments, adoption of best agricultural production practices, development of agri-businesses, and improvements in food security and nutrition. TOMAK promotes inclusivity while actively advancing climate-smart technologies and best agriculture practices.
TOMAK's Savings and Loans Groups are an essential component of the program aimed at improving financial resilience and economic empowerment in rural communities. These groups, primarily consisting of farmers, include women and men, people with disabilities, and youth, providing a platform for members to save money, access loans, and invest in agricultural activities or small businesses. The program also facilitates market access for smallholder farmers, boosting food availability and increasing their economic resilience by connecting them to local and broader markets for their agricultural products.
TOMAK operates in the three municipalities Bobonaro, Baucau and Viqueque.
Related links
Timor-Leste Police Development Program
$35 million (2024-28)
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) implements the Timor-Leste Police Development Program (TLPDP) in partnership with Timor-Leste's national police service (Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste or PNTL). The long-term goal is to support Timor-Leste's efforts to maintain law and order and build police force capability following a community policing model. Improving capability to protect women, children and vulnerable people is a key component of TLPDP.
Key outcomes to help achieve the goal are:
- The adoption of community policing practices to detect, disrupt deter and respond to crime and instability.
- Improved enabling systems to enhance institutional resilience.
Australia has provided support to PNTL through the TLPDP since 2004 and the partnership is based on trusted and enduring relationships.
Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) – Disaster READY
$100 million, across the Pacific and Timor-Leste (2017-2027)
The Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) is a ten-year partnership between the Australian Government and Australian NGOs. In Timor-Leste, NGO partners including CARE Australia, Oxfam Australia, Plan International Australia, World Vision Australia and CAN DO (Caritas Australia), implement the AHP Disaster Ready climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and resilience program. Partners recognise the unique disaster risks and hazards that communities face and work with them and the relevant government agencies to implement inclusive community-based disaster risk management. The program places specific emphasis on the inclusion of women, disabled people, and faith-based organisations in disaster preparedness.
For more information visit Disaster READY Timor-Leste