South Sudan is facing one of the worst food security and nutrition crises globally, with nearly half of the population facing Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above). The most severe cases include over 1.71 million individuals in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and 31 000 South Sudanese returnees in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5), indicating a critical lack of coping mechanisms among affected communities. Years of conflict, instability and large-scale displacement have disrupted agricultural production, one of the country’s most important economic sectors. Climatic shocks, such as floods, dry spells and droughts, in addition to persistent annual cereal shortages, have caused further economic and agricultural deterioration. 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 livestock vaccination and treatment, solar irrigation pumps and post-harvest equipment, trainings, agricultural support and fisheries assistance to 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.