7.1 million People to face acute food insecurity in South Sudan

By Awan Achiek

About 7.1 million people are expected to face severe acute food insecurity during lean season between April and July 2024, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report issued by UN agencies in the country.

The report released on Sunday said the population would face IPC Phase 3 which is a crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity during the lean season.

It said the highest prevalence of acute food insecurity ranges between 65 and 75 percent of the population.

The report disclosed that populations in the States of Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei, and Pibor Administrative Area will be the most affected of which majority are returnees from the conflict‑affected Sudan.

It noted that the food crises was fueled by frequent climate shocks, the economic crisis, conflict and insecurity, low agricultural production, and the effects of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Under the IPC system, level five is classified as “catastrophe”, and when it applies to 20 percent of the population it is deemed a famine.

South Sudan is currently struggling with its crises including an influx of more than 650,000 returnees and refugees from conflict-torn Sudan.