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1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 202582Assessing Food Security and Nutrition Status among Vulnerable Populations in Timor-Leste especially in RAEOAHelio A. da Costa X. Mauquei*; Francisco P. Oliveira and Jacinto U. Suni Universidade Nacional Timor-Lorosa%u2019e (UNTL)*Corresponding author: Helio Augusto da Costa Xavier MauqueiAbstractThe research on food security and nutritional status among vulnerable populations in TimorLeste, particularly in the Authority of the Special Administrative Region of Oe-C%u00fasse Ambeno (RAEOA), aimed to assess the multifaceted factors influencing food insecurity and malnutrition. The study draws on various indicators, including demographic data, food consumption patterns, and access to nutrition services%u2014factors essential for understanding the challenges faced by vulnerable groups in the region. The context in Timor-Leste, especially within the RAEOA region, was marked by widespread food insecurity. Vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and rural communities face significant challenges. A 2019 study found that only 25% of the population was food secure. While many households can afford diets that meet basic energy needs, nutritious foods remain unaffordable for the majority. The country%u2019s heavy reliance on food imports%u2014approximately 60% of its food supply%u2014further exacerbates the issue, especially given the low productivity of the domestic agricultural sector. The RAEOA region faces unique challenges related to geographic isolation, limited resources, and infrastructure deficiencies. Food insecurity in this area is driven by a complex interplay of factors, including poverty, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to education, and entrenched cultural practices. Additionally, climate change and agricultural constraints worsen the already critical situation, impacting food production and availability. Socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental disparities between urban and rural areas also significantly affect access to nutritious food and healthcare services.This study focuses on assessing the degree of food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable populations in Timor-Leste, with a particular emphasis on the RAEOA region. The objectives of the research are twofold: first, to collect demographic data; and second, to assess household food security by exploring indicators such as food access, meal frequency, and experiences of hunger. The study also aims to evaluate household dietary patterns, including the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and access to clean drinking water. Nutritional status will be assessed through questions related to weight loss, changes in appetite, and observable signs of malnutrition in children, as well as in pregnant and lactating women. Moreover, the research will examine access to healthcare, including the distance to health facilities and barriers to obtaining nutrition education or counseling. Economic factors will also be explored, such as sources of income, recent changes in household earnings, and participation in government assistance programs. These data points will provide a comprehensive view of household livelihoods and their vulnerability to food insecurity. The study will further investigate the role of community-based support networks and traditional practices in helping households cope with food shortages and economic challenges. The findings from this research are expected to inform evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at improving food security and nutrition among vulnerable populations in Timor-Leste, particularly in the RAEOA region. By assessing food security, nutritional status, and the underlying factors affecting food access, this research seeks to generate valuable data to guide interventions that address food insecurity, improve health outcomes, and contribute to the achievement of the country%u2019s sustainable development goals.Key words : Food Security, Malnutrition, Vulnerable Populations, RAEOA Region.