EU, Govt and UN Agencies join forces to strengthen Agriculture, Nutrition and Social Protection in Covalima
DÍLI, 14 August 2026 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, the European Union (EU), the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and UNICEF launched a farmer training initiative in Covalima Municipality aimed at strengthening local food systems, improving nutrition, and expanding access to social protection.
The event brought together Thorsten Bargfrede, Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste, alongside representatives of the EU Delegation, the Ministries of Education, State Administration and Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Fisheries, municipal authorities, technical experts, and representatives of WFP, ILO and UNICEF.
The training supports selected farmer groups and cooperatives to become reliable suppliers for Timor-Leste’s National School Feeding Programme through the Home-Grown School Feeding approach. By connecting local farmers with schools, the initiative promotes access to nutritious meals for children while creating market opportunities for rural communities.
Farmers received training on sustainable agricultural production, post-harvest handling, financial literacy, and were introduced to the Social Security Contributory Scheme, helping strengthen both their livelihoods and access to social protection. The training was facilitated by experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Fisheries (MALFF), the Secretary of State for Cooperatives (SECoop), and the National Social Security Institute (INSS).
“The European Union is proud to collaborate with the Government of Timor-Leste and United Nations agencies to promote inclusive rural development. Through investment in farmers’ skills, social protection, and local food systems, we are empowering rural communities, improving nutrition, and strengthening local economies,” said Thorsten Bargfrede, Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste.
During her remarks, Jacqueline de Groot, WFP Representative and Country Director in Timor-Leste, highlighted the importance of strengthening the link between local farmers and schools through the Home-Grown School Feeding approach: “When local farmers are empowered with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to supply schools, the benefits extend well beyond the classroom. Through the Home-Grown School Feeding approach, we are creating reliable markets for farmers, supporting healthier diets for children, and strengthening food systems that contribute to community resilience and sustainable development.”
Participants also took part in a field demonstration in Suai Loro Administrative Post, where they learned practical techniques such as compost production, crop rotation, seedling management, and other sustainable agricultural practices.
The delegation also visited the Suai Villa Community Health Centre to observe nutrition services supported by UNICEF, including growth monitoring, micronutrient supplementation, and community-based efforts to prevent and treat malnutrition. The visit highlighted the importance of linking food systems, nutrition services and social protection to improve the well-being of children and families.
The initiative showcased the strong partnership between the Government of Timor-Leste, the European Union and United Nations agencies in advancing food security, nutrition, rural development and social protection, with a $10 million contribution from the European Union supporting efforts to build more resilient communities across Timor-Leste.
TATOLI
