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FAO/WFP CROP AND FOOD SUPPLY ASSESSMENT MISSION TO EAST TIMOR - 21 December 1999

Year of publication 1999

Author Trade and Markets Division

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Series title Special Reports and Alerts

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) The intense level of violence that followed the 30 August referendum resulted in a massive population displacement, both within and across the borders of East Timor. Food distribution and marketing systems, together with commerce and essential services, were paralyzed and the agricultural cycle was disrupted. In addition, although infrastructure and property damage was extensive, agricultural damage was less severe as crops had already been harvested and only limited burning of the relatively mi nor second season crop in fields, occurred. As the situation still remains fluid, however, various assessments in different sectors will be necessary to evaluate the nature and extent of the problem and quantify the level of intervention required. In keeping with this, therefore, an FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission was fielded to East Timor from 25 November to 6 December to assess the current state of agriculture and food supply prospects. The specific objectives were to: (i ) assess immediate food supply prospects until the next main harvest in April 2000; (ii) provide a tentative forecast for crop (maize and rice) production next year and (iii) evaluate the degree of vulnerability emerging among different groups, all of which are considered essential for purposeful targeting of food aid. As information and essential data, especially regarding agriculture and social institutions, were largely destroyed during the unrest, the mission relied on published statistical data from Indonesia, discussion with key international and bilateral agencies, producers at the household level and on field visits to agricultural and vulnerable areas. These included, Bobonaro, Covalima, Oecussiand Aileu, which sustained high levels of damage and Viqueque, Baucau and Los Palos which were relatively less affected.

Language English

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    FAO/WFP CROP AND FOOD SUPPLY ASSESSMENT MISSION TO AFGHANISTAN - 7 July 1999 1999
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