Nowadays, the water here never dries up, and the water volume continues to increase. This has made a huge difference for our community.
Domingas Colo is from Hoineno Hamlet in Oecusse. She is married with two children and plays an active role as a wife and mother while contributing to her community’s development.
Tackling Climate Challenges
In recent years, Domingas and her community noticed hotter weather making it difficult to grow plants. To respond, they started building gabions, stone and wood barriers that slow river water and prevent erosion, and planting trees to retain water during the dry season.
Our hope is that by planting trees, we can find shelter in their shade when the weather is too hot.— Domingas Colo
Community-Led Water Conservation
The team works together every Friday after their savings meetings, starting with protecting water springs. They construct stone fences, plant trees, and have even built a pond reservoir to ensure water availability during droughts.
Before we became involved in this program, our water sources would dry out in August, September, and October. Now, the water never dries up, and the volume continues to increase.— Domingas Colo
Over 70 households now rely on the conserved water from the Oenis spring for drinking, washing, bathing, and irrigating crops.
Protecting Land and Livelihoods
Gabions and terraces built along rivers protect the land and houses from landslides and erosion. The community also grows vegetables in fenced and cleared areas, which provides food for their families and generates income to support household savings.
Terraces do not provide money, but by growing vegetables, we can earn and save, supporting our families and achieving our goals.— Domingas Colo
Collaboration and Support
The community’s work is strengthened by collaboration with local authorities, elders, youths, and people with disabilities. Domingas expresses gratitude for the support from AFFOS and Oxfam, which enables the group to continue its efforts.
Collaboration and Support
The community’s work is strengthened by collaboration with local authorities, elders, youths, and people with disabilities. Domingas expresses gratitude for the support from AFFOS and Oxfam, which enables the group to continue its efforts.
We are very grateful for the assistance from AFFOS and Oxfam, which has allowed us to pursue such beneficial work.— Domingas Colo
Looking Ahead
Domingas and her team are committed to sustaining their efforts. Their next goals include building a permanent metal fence around the water spring to protect it from animals and misuse and installing a water tank to make irrigation easier and more accessible.
"We want to continue working on this program. Support us in building the metal fence so the water can be used by everyone in the community."
This story highlights how community-led action, combined with support from partners, is transforming resilience, water security, and livelihoods in Oecusse.
Oxfam acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP).
