SUBJECTS: Geography
YEARS: 9–10
It is often hard for a developing country to grow enough food to feed its population.
In this clip you'll see the challenges encountered by the growing nation of Timor-Leste (East Timor).
Listen to an AusAID organiser and the East Timorese president describe the importance of food, and the heartbreak of a hungry nation.
Things to think about
- 1.What do you know about Timor-Leste (East Timor)? Where is it on a map? Australia is a neighbouring country. Do you know of any others? What do you expect the climate to be like? What foods might the people of Timor-Leste be able to grow and produce?
- 2.Look at the example of a typical rural farmer. Watch how she plants out her crop in the cleared area of the jungle. Does her activity look like a business or a way to feed the family? What picture does it paint about these rural farmers? What does the president of Timor-Leste say is the country's highest priority? How does Jeff Prime from AusAID back up this point?
- 3.Nearly half of Timor-Leste's population is younger than ten. How would that make it difficult for a nation to grow enough food to feed itself? In what ways do you think humanitarian agencies such as AusAID could be most effective in Timor-Leste? What three points could you make to persuade your school community to support a group like AusAID?
- 4.Growing vegetables can contribute to the foods your family eats. Do you grow any vegetables at home or in your community? What do you need to know (eg about your area, its soils, the climate and plants) to get the most out of vegetable gardens? Find out more about AusAID. What countries does it help? What aid issues does it face? Is there something you can do to help?
Date of broadcast: 14 Mar 2010
Copyright
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