NGO calls for agricultural investment to combat hunger in Timor

The Timorese NGO La'o Hamutuk emphasized the need for food sovereignty as a national priority, urging 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 severe hunger crisis. La'o Hamutuk's researcher, Celestino Gusmão, highlighted that hunger is linked to poverty, limited access to nutritious food, and insufficient agricultural production. The organization advocates for structural changes in the economy and agriculture, alongside emergency measures. With over 60% of food imported, families are vulnerable to international market fluctuations. La'o Hamutuk calls for sustainable development focused on social justice and economic sustainability, emphasizing the importance of school feeding programs to align child nutrition with local production.