President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, along with Minister of Agriculture Marcos da Cruz and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Marc Weinstock, has launched the Avansa Sistema Aihan no Nutrisaun (Avansa SAN) project. This initiative, backed by USAID with a $15 million investment over five years, aims to enhance food systems and nutrition in Timor-Leste, particularly focusing on regions such as Aileu, Ainaro, Dili, and Ermera.
The Avansa SAN project will promote climate-smart agricultural practices and crop diversification. It will support small and medium-sized agri-food enterprises and conduct community-based campaigns on dietary diversity. The project also emphasizes advocacy for healthy habits to improve nutritional well-being. Tailored assistance will be provided to smallholder farmers and women, especially pregnant women with children under five, to ensure better access to nutritious diets.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Marc Weinstock stated, “The Avansa SAN activity is especially timely as it builds on previous U.S. Government investments in the agriculture sector and takes it several steps further to underscore the urgency of combating malnutrition, especially among women and children under five years old.”
The initiative aligns with Timor-Leste's development goals by focusing on improving nutritional standards and strengthening food security. The United States continues its collaboration with the Government of Timor-Leste at both national and local levels to reinforce local food systems.
Implemented by the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA), Avansa SAN collaborates with twenty-seven farmer groups across fourteen villages in four municipalities. This partnership aims to foster progress, prosperity, and improved nutritional well-being.