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OVERVIEW
Timor-Leste has experienced above-average temperatures and low and unevenly distributed rainfall throughout the November 2023 to May 2024 rainy season. From October 2023 to January 2024, precipitation fell over 30% below average levels. By mid-February, drought was detected in 10 of Timor-Leste’s 14 municipalities: Aileu, Ainaro, Atauro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Covalima, Dili, Manatuto, Oecusse, and Viqueque (WFP 23/04/2024; FAO 04/03/2024; WB accessed 26/04/2024). Both the drought and abnormally high temperatures are mainly attributed to the 2023–2024 El Niño, which began in June 2023 (WFP 23/04/2024; IPC 29/02/2024; ACAPS 25/07/2023).
Drought and heat have led to crop failure, livestock deaths, and water scarcity in many parts of the country, contributing to livelihood, food security, nutrition, and WASH needs (WFP 23/04/2024; FAO 04/03/2024; WB accessed 26/04/2024). This aggravates pre-existing high needs in Timor-Leste, where 360,000 people (27% of the population) faced Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse food insecurity levels from November 2023 to April 2024. Food security is projected to deteriorate between May–September 2024, with a projected increase of 3,500 people facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels despite the end of the lean season, which occurs from around December–February when farmers have exhausted cereal stocks. El Niño-induced below-average maize and rice harvests and livestock losses, along with high food prices, are contributing to this deterioration (IPC 29/02/2024; WFP 12/2010; FAO 03/2011).