"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 specialised 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, which is supported by a rapid response grant from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), is 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.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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