East Timor is the newest independent nation of the 21st century. Food security was identified as a major constraint. In concert with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the University of Hawaii and the Soil Management Collaborative Research Support Program have initiated development efforts to address this constraint in the Baucau district, one of 13 agricultural districts in the country. Rice and maize are the principal staple crops. Soil testing, as part of a nutrient management support system, was introduced as a diagnostic tool to improve fertilizer use efficiency. Fertilizer use demonstration trials with local maize varieties were installed at 2 locations differing in elevations and mean annual temperatures. Results from these trials will be presented and explained with spatial tools and soil maps and aerial photographs.

A participatory rural appraisal conducted at both locations provided important information in the design and implementation of site-specific (with GPS) experimental sites ranging from sea level to near the top or head of the watershed. The objective at each site was to improve income generation after planting and/or harvesting of rice or maize. These trials, implemented and managed by local farmer groups, and their outcomes will be described and explained.