UN and gov’t warn nearly 8 million South Sudanese faces severe food crisis

JUBA – At least 7.7 million people, or roughly 64% of South Sudan’s 12 million population, are projected to face acute food insecurity next year, according to a joint report released by the government and UN agencies on Monday.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report estimates that 2.53 million people will likely face a severe food emergency (IPC Phase 4) and 63,000 people will face a catastrophic food crisis (IPC Phase 5) between July and April 2025.

The report, released by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF, projected that 6.1 million people will face a food crisis (IPC Phase 3) between December 2024 and March 2025.

It also warned that 31,000 South Sudanese returnees will likely face a catastrophic food crisis.

Key drivers of acute food insecurity include economic crisis, conflict, insecurity, climate shocks, and low agricultural production.

South Sudan’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Josephine Lagu, attributed the acute food insecurity to ongoing insecurity and high food prices. She warned that the situation could worsen due to the crisis in Sudan, which has disrupted the oil pipeline and affected government revenue.

“This bleak picture underscores the importance of increased investment in agricultural production to ensure that households can grow their own food and reduce reliance on markets characterized by high food prices,” Lagu said.

The government plans to prioritize agriculture, engage with development partners, and promote private sector participation to address the crisis.

Meshack Malo, FAO Country Representative in South Sudan, emphasized the need to invest in supporting South Sudanese farmers to increase food production.

“The emergence of the economic crisis and associated high food prices as a key driver of food insecurity sends a powerful message that it is time to collectively increase our investment in supporting South Sudanese to produce their own food,” Malo said.

Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director in South Sudan, warned that the country will face acute hunger next year.

“While returnees fleeing the Sudan war are expected to have the highest levels of food insecurity, many communities across South Sudan will continue to struggle as the economic crisis, extreme flooding, prolonged dry spells, and conflict continue to interrupt gains made,” she said.

UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, Hamida Lasseko, highlighted the link between malnutrition, poor sanitation, waterborne diseases, and food insecurity.