Timor Leste

Multiple factors related to food availability and access as well as the poor quality and low quantity of food consumption drive chronic food insecurity in Timor-Leste. Low agricultural productivity and limited livelihood opportunities limit food availability and access for the population. People tend to sustain themselves through singular or limited livelihood strategies. The impact of climate hazards, such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and earthquakes, also affects agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Poor WASH, health, and education facilities and inadequate communications and agricultural infrastructure aggravate the situation.

The negative impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict (especially increased fuel prices in 2022), the floods of 2021 and 2022, and the persisting negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in reduced income, increased household debt, and high food and fuel prices in the country.

Nearly 262,000 people (20% of the population) face severe acute food insecurity – i.e. Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse levels – and need urgent humanitarian assistance. Priority needs besides food include potable water and livelihood support.

(IPC 17/01/2019, IPC 14/02/2023)