Government of Timor-Leste

The Government is developing three Animal Breeding Centres, in the Manufahi, Oe-Cussi Ambeno and Lautém districts. However, there are various areas in the country with privileged conditions for the development of this livestock activity and where the Government intends to implement this program, namely in the Viqueque District, the southern coast and the northern coast.

The majority of the cattle breeders in Timor-Leste have small explorations and dedicate themselves to breeding cows, buffalos, horses, goats, pigs, chickens or ducks.

The breeding system, in most cases, is still very traditional. The Secretary of State for Livestock highlights that “many Timorese breeders don’t know about the existence of pens or other more sophisticated breeding models. We are working to change this situation, presenting new working techniques.

It is important to have in mind that many Timorese families have animals at home – such as bovines, buffaloes, equines, hogs and also birds. It is this type of small-scale animal breeding that helps many families to guarantee the money to pay expenses such as education. Many times, the families’ main resource is animal breeding and selling. Especially in December, during the Christmas holidays, cattle is sold to compensate family expenses. We want to improve the quality of the animal breeding to guarantee good food for the population.”