South Sudan is facing one of the worst food security and nutrition crises globally, with 83 000 people, including 39 000 returnees, in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5). Populations in Nasir and Ulang counties in Upper Nile State are at risk of Famine in a worst-case scenario due to escalating conflict. Years of instability and large-scale displacement have disrupted agricultural production, as well as oscillating climatic shocks, such as floods and droughts. With up to 95 percent of the population dependent on agriculture (crop farming, pastoralism and fishing) for food and income, urgent humanitarian support is needed to avert catastrophe.

FAO is providing critical agricultural emergency support to save lives and restore people’s food security, nutrition and resilience. Yet, without urgent funding to support a sustained multisectoral response, people will be at greater risk of famine and destitution.