TIMOR-LESTE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF (10 October)
Harvesting of the rice crop is just complete in northern areas, while it is still underway in southern areas and will continue to the end of November. The country has experienced a serious drought in most parts this season, with nine districts out of 13 reportedly affected. Plantings of maize and cassava will start from November. If the drought situation continues, next year’s crop and food security will be affected substantially.
The country is one of the poorest in the world with more than 40 percent of the population living below the poverty line. Over 350 000 people or 42 percent of the population are considered as chronically food insecure. Every year the country faces a food shortage in rural areas which is at its greatest during the period from November to February. This year’s situation is expected to be worse due to lack of rain. Rainfall in the next couple of months is particularly important for the next cropping season starting from November-December.