DILI, 31 january 2023 (TATOLI)- United States International Development Agency (USAID) provided 4 million USD to improve food security, nutrition, and resilience in Timor-Leste.
USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator and Chief Climate Officer, Gillian Caldwell said USAID is very proud to provide the amount of 4 million USD, to improve food security, nutrition, and resilience to crises in Timor-Leste.
“United States is proud to provide USD 4 million in new funding through USAID to protect Timorese families from the devastating food crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and help to build long-term food security and nutrition and the extreme wheater condition’’ USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator and Chief Climate Officer, Gillian Caldwell told journalists at signs agreement between AUSAID and MoAF, at City8, manleuana, this tuesday.
In addition, he said, this initiative will also boost efficient food production and processing improves farmer access to the market, and increase the arability of nutritious foods.
She added that there are so many issues with food security has so many problems, especially malnutrition and stunting issues which will delay a child’s growth development, as well as the youth, who could not live a productive life and contribute to the economy.
“This project also will pressure agriculture in the ways of climate-smart and agriculture can be a driver of climate crises, especially for the reforestation for fertilize dependent,” she said.
FAO representative in Timor-Leste, Rajendra Aryal expresses their sincere gratitude to the government of the United States through USAID to provide additional financial support to boost food security in Timor-Leste.
FAO will provide technical assistance to involve women and youth, and train them to conserve agriculture without using fertilizers.
“We can support them to use organic manual, climate-smart to contributing for environment friendly.’’ Mr. Rajendra Aryal explained.
Thus, it is a very strong collaboration between the United States of America through USAID, FAO, and the government of Timor-Leste.
At the same Place, the President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta said United Nations is a greater development country and always provides the largest additional amount to support Timor-Leste for boosting the food security system which can be engaged in nutrition projects.
“We are expecting to contribute to the reducing of malnutrition, and also reduce the poverty in Timor-Leste,’’ He said
Therefore Horta expected this project can support local farmers and link with the markets.
The secretary of State of Fisheries for (MoAF), Edilio De Araujo said it is most important to get additional support to boost the Agri-food system to ensure the agriculture system works effectively and efficiently.
“Minister of Agriculture and Fishery agree to transform Agri-food systems to enhance food security and also provide enough nutrition and resilience to crises in Timor-Leste,” He said
This project will be implemented from october 2023 to 2024 in 10 municipalities comprising Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Covalima, Ermera, Lautem, Manatuto, Manufahi, and Viqueque.
So far, after Timor-Leste Restauration for Independence, USAID has provided over $323 million in assistance to TImor-Leste to support inclusive and peaceful development, leading to a more prosperous, healthy, and self-reliant Timor-Leste.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
