Reconnecting Communities through Climate-Resilient Roads

Aileu struggles with severely poor road access due to challenging terrain and unstable soil conditions. The combination of steep hills, silty soil, and heavy rainfall causes rapid erosion and deep rutting, rendering many unpaved rural roads impassable, especially during the rainy season. In response, the project rehabilitated four rural road projects. The first was the Lahae - Eralolo Road Rehabilitation, which covered 2.2 km. The second was the construction of a new road from Tohumeta to Acadiro, measuring 1.3 km. The third involved the construction of a new road from Aldeia Manufoni to Aldeia Lismori, extending 2.8 km. Lastly, the project carried out road rehabilitation from Halalmeta to Tabulasi in Suco Seloi Kraik, covering another 2.2 km.

The project has positively impacted the lives of the rural community members in 10 sucos, providing year-round access to markets, schools, and clinics for nearly 4176 residents.

Each road was constructed with climate-resilient techniques, designed to withstand heavy rainfalls and minimize erosion. The implementation process also prioritized local participation, creating more than 200 jobs, with at least 30% filled by women. This inclusive employment approach not only generated short-term income but also built a sense of community ownership.

Nature-Based Solutions Along the Roads

To protect the newly rehabilitated infrastructure, the project integrated agroforestry measures along each road corridor. In partnership with the local NGO RAEBEA, over 36,000 trees were planted across nearly 46 hectares of land. These include both native and fruit-bearing species, benefiting local farmers while stabilizing slopes and improving soil quality.

The approach merges infrastructure with ecosystem restoration, reflecting the project's commitment to sustainable, long-term resilience. Farming households who participated in these efforts gained both technical training and access to improved planting materials, helping them diversify their livelihoods and enhance food security.

Securing Water, Securing Futures: The Berkate Irrigation Scheme

Water scarcity is another significant threat to rural livelihoods, particularly as climate change exacerbates droughts. In July 2024, the project completed a 500-meter irrigation scheme in Berkate, Suco Aisirimou. Designed to irrigate 25-30 hectares, the system now supports the double cropping of rice, improved horticulture, and even fish pond production. This intervention directly benefits over 460 residents and indirectly lifts the prospects of more than 700 farming households. Rice yields are expected to increase by up to 2 tons per hectare annually, while vegetable production may rise by 30%. These gains are not abstract - they translate into greater food security, higher household incomes, and reduced poverty.

Importantly, the irrigation scheme was built with gender inclusion in mind. Of the 89 workers mobilized, 34% were women - surpassing project targets and contributing to a shift in gender norms around construction and farming roles.

Ermelinda de Deus, 56 years old, is also a rice farmer in Berkate. A mother of eight, she cultivates together with her daughter and is pleased with the progress: “Before, the irrigation was unreliable. You could never be sure about the amount of water. But now, after the improvements, even though the quality of rice might vary, our water supply is consistent. It doesn’t fail, even during the dry season. In the past, if the rains failed, we had serious difficulties.” She expresses her gratitude to UNDP and shares her hope that the irrigation system can be further expanded to cover a wider area, increasing reach and productivity.