United Nations in Timor-Leste Provides Critical Food Assistance to 18,000 El Niño-Affected People

DILI – Starting today, the Government of Timor-Leste, supported by the United Nations in Timor-Leste through the World Food Programme (WFP), will provide food assistance to over 18,000 people affected by the impact of El Niño for the next three months. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Civil Protection Authority and Inclusion, and other line ministries, will also distribute Super Cereal, a specialized nutritious food, to pregnant and breastfeeding women to prevent malnutrition.

"This intervention is crucial in guaranteeing protection and food security to people in need in six municipalities affected by El Niño. Our coordinated efforts with WFP ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive the assistance they require during these challenging times," said the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Veronica Das Dores.

Timor-Leste relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture and imported food as a small island nation. Since September 2023, an ongoing El Niño weather event has led to drought-like conditions, delayed rainfall, and flash floods during the country’s main planting season. This disruption has affected crop production and agricultural income, significantly impacting food access and availability for many vulnerable people in rural areas.

In the regions hardest hit by El Niño - Bobonaro, Covalima, Ermera, Lautem, Liquiçá, and Manufahi - the programme will procure, transport, and deliver 720 metric tons of food staples like rice, pulses, and oil. These supplies will be distributed to 32 administrative posts within the affected municipalities.

Additionally, 1,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls at high risk of acute malnutrition will receive specialized food called Super Cereal. This assistance supports the national government’s strategy to prevent malnutrition and will be provided to eligible women in households receiving in-kind assistance. The project aims to enhance food security and improve nutritional outcomes by focusing on vulnerable individuals.

"Our joint effort with the Government of Timor-Leste is essential in alleviating the hardships faced by the most vulnerable populations affected by climate change. Together, we are advancing initiatives to mitigate this phenomenon's impact and enhance community resilience," WFP Country Representative Cecilia Garzon said.

This initiative is supported by a rapid response grant from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), coordinated by the UN Timor-Leste RC Office, and is being implemented through three UN agencies: the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme (WFP). The support from CERF underscores the broader international effort to address the impact of El Niño in Timor-Leste.

UN Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste, Funmi Balogun, highlighted the significance of this coordinated effort, stating, "The United Nations in Timor-Leste stands committed to supporting the government and people of Timor-Leste during this critical time. By working together, we are not only providing immediate relief but also building a foundation for greater resilience against future climate-related challenges."

The UN in Timor-Leste continues to support the Government of Timor-Leste in its efforts to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the assistance they need.