In collaboration with Week of Compassion, YAO builds an independent agricultural ecosystem to supply free nutritious meals
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
KUPANG – The Alfa Omega Foundation (YAO) continues to innovate in creating economic independence and food security in West Timor. Through the “Sustainable Agriculture Support” project supported by Week of Compassion (Global Ministries), YAO is currently developing an integrated agricultural model that connects local farmers directly to a guaranteed market.
Since its inception in mid-2025, the program has not only focused on land cultivation but also on building a mutually beneficial closed-loop ecosystem.
Responding to Challenges with Integrated Solutions The director of YAO explained that this initiative was born out of two urgent needs: the foundation's operational independence and the need for a supply of fresh food for the Free Nutritious Food Kitchen, which serves 3,186 school children every day.
“We don't want farmers to just plant and then be confused about how to sell their produce. In this model, YAO acts as a fixed buyer (off-taker). The harvest from the cultivated land is directly absorbed by our Nutrition Kitchen,” explained YAO.
Three Main Pillars of the Program In its implementation, this project focuses on three strategic components:
Production & Training Center (Center of Excellence): Utilization of 3 hectares of land owned by YAO—consisting of 1 hectare for rice and freshwater fisheries, and 2 hectares for horticulture (bananas, papayas, dragon fruit, and vegetables).
Mpowering Congregation Farmers: Intensive training for 45 members of the GMIT Fatuknutu congregation to optimize their 20 hectares of land using modern agricultural techniques.
Market Guarantee: Guaranteed purchase of crops by YAO to break the middleman chain and stabilize farmers' incomes.
Real Impact on the Community In addition to the economic impact on 90 farming families, the profits from this agricultural venture are also allocated to social missions. A total of 40% of the profits are used to provide direct assistance in the form of seeds, school uniforms, and additional nutrition for 45 of the most vulnerable families.
“This is a blueprint for self-reliance. We are moving from dependence on donors toward a sustainable social entrepreneurship model,” concluded YAO management.
