NGO argues that food sovereignty should be a national priority for Timor-Leste

The Timorese NGO La'o Hamutuk emphasizes that food sovereignty should be a national priority and calls for increased agricultural investment to combat hunger and malnutrition in Timor-Leste. The Global Hunger Index 2026 rated the country with a score of 32.5, indicating a 'serious' hunger situation. Celestino Gusmão from La'o Hamutuk highlights that hunger is linked to poverty, limited access to nutritious food, and insufficient agricultural production. The organization stresses the need for structural changes in the economy and agriculture, advocating for sustainable development that prioritizes the population's needs. They also call for school feeding programs to align with national production goals.