The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today announced plans to assist the Government of Timor-Leste in meeting the food needs of people living in communities affected by an ongoing drought.
"There is a need for food assistance due to the persistence of the drought, and we will work closely with the Government to ensure that food is available through the lean season," said Tarek Elguindi, WFP Representative in Dili, Timor Leste.A recent food security and crop survey conducted by WFP and the UN Food and Agriculture Agency (FAO) found that drought conditions and a locust outbreak had caused a 30 percent decline in crop production on the island in the past year, leaving one fifth of the population vulnerable to food shortages through the coming "lean season".
WFP estimates that the drought has resulted in an overall food shortage of 85,000 metric tons, and indicates that at least 16,000 tons of additional food assistance, valued at up to 12 million dollars, will be needed to meet Timor-Leste's food needs in the coming year.
Source-ANI
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