DILI 23 august 2023 (TATOLI)- World Food program invited all relevant entities to solve food insecurity issues in Timor-Leste by reducing malnutrition and stunting in this country.
WFP International Director of Unit Partner Strategy, Stanlake Samkange said food security issues happen globally and also impacted Timor-Leste, therefore it is important and necessary to look at the international and local component systems.
“We have discussed with the other international agencies from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Korea International Cooperation and Agency (KOICA), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and others to provide the most effective support in addressing the different elements of the food system and food Sovereignty,’’ WFP’s Director of Unit partner strategy, Stanlake Samkange told Journalist at Government Place, after meeting with Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for rural development Affairs, Mariano Assanomi Sabino at Government Palace, Wednesday.
According o Samkange water become one of the most critical elements that contribute to nutrition, adding that water is critical for irrigation and also water has an impact on economic diversification and also to reduce malnutrition and stunting issue in Timor-Leste.
In the same place, Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for rural development Affairs, Mariano Assanomi Sabino said that water is a very important element to increase local crop production.
“Enough local products can be responding to the domestic consumer demand to reduce malnutrition and stunting while lack of water supply management and irrigation system can impact the instability of food security in the country. It affected economic growth and blue economy diversification,” he said.
Likewise in his meeting with the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, Stanlake Samkange said the slight increase in rice prices internationally and its impact on Timor-Leste country.
President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta talked about the challenge Timor-Leste faced in the difficult global environment such as food prices and climate change, which is especially related to Agriculture.
With regard to this, WFP, Samkange, and Horta discuss mobilizing global resources for countries like Tior-Leste and others.
It is known that the ninth government through Vice Prime Minister, Assanami also discussed with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide technical assistance and financial support to improve the water supply and irrigation system.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
