Rinaldo's Coffee: East Timor, Koileki Village, Washed

Having found its sovereignty in 2002, Timor-Leste is one of the world’s youngest countries. As the country finds stability, the development of the agriculture sector is rapidly becoming an important pillar for the structural transformation of the country’s economy.

Timor-Leste currently faces enormous economic upheaval, as its oil reserves begin to run dry. In its place, coffee is set to become that nation’s most vital export. The municipality of Ermera - one of thirteen municipalities in the country - is home to the largest coffee production volumes, whilst almost 60% of the municipality's population live below the poverty line. Coffee is Timor-Leste’s most important crop, and with the end of oil income, improving the coffee sector is of critical importance. Coffee is the second-highest earner for the country after oil, with 37% of households depend on coffee for income.

The coffee cherries are grown around the suco (village) of Koileki. These are then collected daily and processed at the Atsabe Community Wet Mill in Baboe Kraik, situated at 1400MASL.