UN food security agencies have warned that South Sudan faces a severe humanitarian crisis unless immediate action and investment are taken to address food insecurity, climate challenges and insecurity.

The UN food security agencies, Food and Agriculture Organisation, World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development gave the warning in a statement on Tuesday.

The top officials of the agencies gave the warning based on their visit to South Sudan.

During a three-day visit to the country, Qu Dongyu, director-general of FAO, Cindy McCain, executive director of the WEP, and Alvaro Lario, president of IFAD, witnessed the devastating effects of severe weather events and a lack of infrastructure on communities.

“Conflict, climate change, and soaring costs in South Sudan are causing some of the highest levels of hunger in the world,” Ms McCain said. She added that just handing out food is not the solution.

“We must break the cycle and empower communities to plant the seeds of hope, opportunity, and economic development. With peace and stability, the potential of South Sudan is incredible,” Ms McCain stressed.

The visit came after a joint UN report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023, which found that over 120 million more people are suffering chronic malnourishment since 2019.

South Sudan offers huge potential as a major food-producing country, but years of conflict, compounded by climate change, poor infrastructure, low education and high unemployment, stymie any progress, according to FAO.

“South Sudan has the potential to be the breadbasket of East Africa, but the climate crisis, poor agriculture infrastructure, instability, and economic shocks continue to disrupt agricultural and livestock productivity and food availability,” Mr Qu said, noting the importance of new funding. “Investments and enabling policies that will improve longer-term food security, resilience and climate adaptation are urgently needed.”

Collaboration among the three UN agencies and with the government and other partners in the country have helped stave off famine in recent years and enabled farmers to increase their food production and incomes.

However, the agencies said scaled-up and sustained action is needed to respond to the ongoing hunger crisis, avoid further setbacks, and mitigate future crises.

“To do this, we need to mobilise massive investments and implement best practices to combat food insecurity and adapt to climate change. This will also greatly improve rural employment. But we need to act now,” Mr Lario said. 

(NAN)