JUBA—The United Kingdom has announced an additional £2.35 million in funding to help mitigate El Niño-related risks in South Sudan, where climate shocks threaten food production and the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
UK Ambassador Rebecca Fabrizi announced the funding in a statement marking the beginning of her tenure in South Sudan. She said the support would help communities prepare for climate-related challenges.
“Just this week we are announcing £2.35 million additional funding to mitigate the risks of El Niño,” Fabrizi said.
She said the UK had previously helped nearly 100,000 people in the country adapt to climate change and would continue supporting resilient livelihoods and the sustainable use of the country’s natural resources.
The ambassador did not specify which communities would benefit from the additional funding, when the money would be disbursed or which organisations would implement the programme.
This announcement comes at a critical time as the country faces the effects of changing rainfall patterns on agricultural production and food security. In the last three months, South Sudan has experienced a prolonged dry spell that has withered crops, threatening seasonal harvests.
A report by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) published in October 2026 warned that El Niño-related rainfall deficits could reduce the country’s 2026 harvest and worsen food consumption gaps. The report identified Jonglei and southern Upper Nile as areas where the combined effects of climate shocks and conflict could have particularly severe consequences.
South Sudan has also experienced recurrent flooding in the last five years, which had communities whose livelihoods depend on farming and livestock.
Fabrizi said the UK remained committed to supporting South Sudan through development programmes covering health, education and climate resilience.
The ambassador also announced an additional £10.7 million contribution to the Health Sector Transformation Project, saying the UK’s broader support was intended to help the country achieve stability, peace and prosperity.
She described the coming weeks and months as critical for South Sudan’s transition and said she looked forward to leading Britain’s engagement with the country.
