Seeds of life

Frequently Asked questions (FAQS)

Does Seeds of Life trial new coffee varieties?
No, as a food security project Seeds of Life focuses on increasing productivity of staple food crops in East Timor, primarily maize, rice, sweet potato, peanuts and cassava.

Does Seeds of Life distribute hybrid or genetically modified crops?
No, Seeds of Life does not trial or distribute hybrid or genetically modified crops in East Timor. We work with open-pollinated maize varieties and pure line rice and peanut varieties. We give farmers the opportunity to test new varieties, and only those varieties they are happy with they will choose to replant in future seasons, working towards food independence.

What effect is Seeds of Life having on biodiversity in East Timor?
Seeds of Life is increasing biodiversity of the crops we work with. 

Does Seeds of Life work in all 13 districts of East Timor?
Yes and no. Seeds of Life currently trials new varieties in seven of the 13 districts of East Timor, chosen because they reflect the range of agro-climatic zones in the country. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, NGOs and agencies including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Seeds of Life varieties have been distributed in additional districts.

Does Seeds of Life give or sell seeds to farmers?
Seeds of Life gives small quantities of seeds to farmers participating in on-farm demonstration trials to plant in 5m x 5m test plots. MAF also gives SoL seeds to various farmer groups throughout the country. 

How can other farmers not involved in on-farm demonstration trials gain access to the Seeds of Life varieties?
Farmers can access seeds in a variety of ways, including directly from mother farmers, from MAF officials and extension officers, from agencies including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and from NGOs, including Care International and World Vision.

What work does Seeds of Life do with female farmers?
Approximately 20% of the subsistence farms in East Timor are managed by female farmers. Paddy rice is the only exception to this, where only 4% of farms are managed by females. In all households women plan a significant role in farm tasks, including food storage, processing and preparation, as well as seed selection, planting, weeding and harvesting of all crops.

Seeds of Life has been proactive in targeting women in the testing of new varieties, and in the evaluation of their storage, processing and acceptability characteristics. Approximately 22% of our on-farm demonstration trials are run with female farmers, and almost 25% (10 of 39) of our professional staff are women.

Our socio-economic research team is leading ongoing research into the adoption of new technologies and gender equity, including a quantitative assessment of household labour demands in terms of gender and age across all areas of food production.