The Government of Timor-Leste is committed to developing aquaculture to improve the country’s food and nutrition security while enhancing income opportunities for coastal and inland farming communities.

This project aims to scale up production of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) to support progress toward the National Aquaculture Development Strategy (2012-2030). The strategy targets increased farmed fish production of 12,000 tons per year by 2030, leading to a rise in annual fish consumption to 15 kg per person. The project adopts a holistic approach to scaling up and out for impact, including by engaging and coordinating efforts with the private sector.

Project activities focus on increasing the access to and availability of quality seed, feed and grow-out technologies. This will help to increase the availability and accessibility of fish and encourage greater fish consumption. Phase two builds on the efforts laid by phase one (2014-2019), which developed high-quality seed and feed, trained farmers in better management practices and worked with ministry staff and the private sector to build their skills and knowledge.

The PADTL2 project is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) along with USAID, who has contributed USD 1.2 million via the Accelerating Aquaculture Development in Timor-Leste grant to support the achievement of the project goals.