Engaging post-conflict agricultural communities in research through a case study of coffee growers in Timor-Leste

Despite debate surrounding cross-cultural approaches to traditional development and research programs in less economically developed countries, there is little guidance for researchers attempting to conduct ethical, culturally-sensitive collaboration. This is particularly problematic in post-conflict countries. Through the lens of post-development theory, a collaborative research approach was developed, through a case study of the contribution of coffee production to the social and economic development of Timor-Leste’s coffee growers. This thesis explores how participatory action research approaches can be used when conducting research in a post-conflict region to provide empowerment opportunities for communities, while also achieving the scholarly aims of the researcher.