Author : Ana Jeannie de Corte-Real Araujo

Summary : The study aimed to analyze the community responses to environmental and livelihood impacts of a government-initiated dumpsite in Tibar Village, Liquica District, Timor-Leste. Specifically, it aimed to describe the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of the local people around the dumpsite; identify the impacts of dumpsite on the environmental conditions and people's livelihood; determine the government's program in addressing the impacts; and analyze the local people's responses in addressing the negative impacts of the dumpsite. The study employed the survey method, key informant interview, focus group discussion, and secondary data analysis in data gathering. Simple random sampling was employed in selecting 82 household heads who served as the respondents of the study. Qualitative method was employed to analyze the data using frequency distribution, percentage, mean and range. Results show that majority of the respondents are married, head of the families, males with mean age of 48 years, illiterate, and with large households composed of 5-10 members. Majority are farmers earning about 100 USD per month. Almost all of the respondents affirmed that prior to the dumpsite operation the soil, air and drinking water were all good. However, after its operation the soil and the air quality have been negatively affected. The respondents were not sure with the generation of leachate that may have affected the water source since no chemical test has been conducted to prove the quality of drinking water. Majority of the respondents affirmed that the dumpsite has caused environmental nuisances and interferences resulting from improper solid waste management. Also, there are disturbances from movement of vehicles, strangers, children, and animals in the area. Likewise, the operation of the dumpsite has impacted the livelihood of the communities in the area as shown by the gradual increase in the number of farmers involved in scavenging and farming at the same tim e. The women and children have joined the men in scavenging for the instant cash that they get. The only obvious response of the community members is the maintenance of cleanliness at the household level by regularly cleaning their house and the vicinities. However, they still lack enough knowledge in identifying the waste composition which is important in reusing, recycling and reducing wastes. Almost all of the respondents stated that there are technical, biophysical and social problems caused by the operation of the dumpsite. Despite the presence of these problems, there are no government programs to address them. Hence, the respondents suggested a number of government program to address the identified problems.