Defined as any lack of food that threatens lives, livelihoods, or both, acute foot security is impacting one in two children in Timor-Leste, the U.N agency said.

“Almost one in two children are stunted in Timor-Leste, which is one of the highest rates in Southeast Asia,” WFP said in its recent country report.

“Food inflation remains high due to ongoing global economic uncertainties, climate shocks and conflicts,” it added.

The WFP said the average daily cost of a nutritious food in Timor-Leste has risen 78% since 2019, according to findings from joint WFP and Government of Timor-Leste 2023 Cost of the Diet analysis report.

The WFP said it is targeting establishing “sustainable and climate-resilient food systems in Timor-Leste” next year, including reactivating the production of Super Cereal (nutritious fortified food) production.

“Technical discussions were held with agricultural cooperative, Timor Global, to commence production of Super Cereal in early 2024,” WFP said.