With limited resources REDE s members have their hands tied and can not out reach to where services are most needed in the districts. Funds allocated for the use of NGOs must ensure that the majority reaches people in need in the districts. In the absence of government capacity to cover all areas, it is also of utmost importance that credible NGOs who have the confidence of the people are engaged to provide services. Literacy programs must be given the necessary attention to break this cycle. The destruction to East Timor by the Indonesian authorities has resulted in movements of people to the capital Dili and main centres like Baucau.
Rural development is critical to attracting people back to the districts.
Sufficient funds must be allocated for this as well as operational budget allocation for the district administration to ensure rural development and growth in this sector. Food security Even though the emergency period is officially over, food security continues to be a problem in some parts of East Timor. REDE members visiting villages in the sub district of Maliana in the west of East Timor were extremely concerned by the state of staples such as corn crops which were highly affected by pests and with no chance of yielding a successful harvest. From Ainaro REDE has also received reports of people having reverted back to eating leaves and the tubes of the maek plant which is used when there is limited food. Mechanisms of government and the role of civil society organisations To conclude, experience has told us that developing and implementing an inclusive policy needs constant attention.