National evaluation of training activities related to fisheries product diversification for communities in Timor-Leste

Abstract

This report evaluates fish and aquatic food processing training activities delivered by DG-PAGRA and its partner across Timor-Leste between 2011 and 2024. Over this period, at least 62 training events reached 1,324 participants across all municipalities. The evaluation drew on past training records, trainer discussions, and interviews with 135 past participants across 18 locations. While participants reported high satisfaction, uptake of newly introduced products remained limited. Most continued practitioners focused on familiar products, particularly dried fish and fish baked in palm leaves (saboko), rather than new recipes. Key barriers included lack of capital, equipment, time, and access to fresh fish. Participants expressed strong demand for future training on fresh fish handling, business skills, and quality improvement of traditional products, preferring hands-on, multi-day sessions with printed support materials. The report recommends developing a structured national post-harvest fisheries training program with standardised modules, strengthened institutional. capacity, expanded training content, systematic monitoring, and deliberate promotion of gender equity and youth inclusion.