FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - EAST TIMOR (4 June)
On 20 May 2002 the country became an independent nation. The large number of people that are returning from refugee camps in West Timor since December 2001 are in need of assistance. In addition, a survey carried out by the World Bank, the UNDP and other international organizations indicates that almost half of the total population of some 0.8 million live in poverty and under-nourishment.
Harvesting of the maize crop, one of the main staples of the country, has been completed while that of rice has just started. Output of cereals is estimated to be unchanged from last year and below average. Inadequate agricultural infrastructures and a poor marketing system continue to hinder development of the agricultural sector.