DILI, 20 march 2024 (TATOLI) – President Jose Ramos-Horta of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Agriculture Minister Marcos da Cruz, and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Marc Weinstock jointly launched USAID’s $15 million, five-year Avansa Sistema Aihan no Nutrisaun (Avansa SAN) activity to advance Timor-Leste’s food systems, enhancing nutrition and strengthening food security across the nation with a focus on Aileu, Ainaro, Dili and Ermera.
Avansa SAN will promote climate-smart agricultural practices, crop diversification, support for small and medium-sized agri-food enterprises, community-based campaigns on dietary diversity, and advocacy for healthy habits to improve overall nutritional well-being. The activity will also provide tailored assistance to smallholder farmers and women, particularly pregnant women with children under five, to ensure greater access to nutritious diets.
“The Avansa SAN activity is especially timely as it builds on previous U.S. Government investments in the agriculture sector and takes it several steps further to underscore the urgency of combating malnutrition, especially among women and children under five years old,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Marc Weinstock in Dili.
With a focus on elevating nutritional standards and bolstering food security, Avansa SAN reflects the nation’s overarching development objectives. The United States is pleased to continue collaborating with the Government of Timor-Leste at both national and local levels to accelerate the strengthening of local food systems.
Avansa SAN is implemented by the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) in collaboration with twenty-seven farmers groups across fourteen villages in four municipalities. Working together, this activity will rejuvenate the path towards progress, prosperity, and improved nutritional well-being.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
