The Multidimensionality of Economy, Energy and Environmental Crises and their Implications for Rural Livelihoods
Abstract
Natural ecosystems and traditional land use systems have an important role in the life and well being of the rural population of Timor-Leste. Land, the support of natural ecosystems and subsistence agriculture of rural populations of Timor Leste, is the main focus of this research. The objectives are: 1) to identify the different land use patterns of Timor-Leste; 2) to identify the goods and services produced; and, 3) to relate the goods and services produced by land use patterns with the well-being of Timor-Leste rural population. This paper is based on a multidisciplinary approach incorporating contributions from several fields of knowledge, and uses documentary sources, field observations and interviews conducted in 2003, 2009 and 2010. The main land use patterns in Timor-Leste are: natural and semi-natural ecosystems, subsistence agriculture, sacred, housing, basic infrastructures and industries and services. These land use patterns produce a set of goods and services classified as supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural which are essential for the survival and well-being of Timor-Leste rural communities
