Food security is expected to remain stable between January and April for the majority of households in Souh Sudan. However, pockets of moderate to high flood-related food insecurity are expected in the Eastern Flood Plains livelihood zone. Pockets of moderate food insecurity caused by chronic-structural food production deficits are also expected in most counties in the northern Western Flood Plains livelihood zone. This is likely to persist until the next crop harvests due between July and September. Food shortages will likely be addressed through food aid. WFP, the lead food aid agency, is currently concluding its needs assessment.
Flood-induced food shortages in some areas of Unity, North/South Bor, Zeraf, old Fangak and Ayod counties that started around September-October are now easing as a result of flood water recession from December to February. This has facilitated a significant increase in access to fish and water plants, compensating for flood induced shortfalls of sorghum, which is typically consumed during the dry season.
As of November 2007, close to 550,000 people were adversely affected by floods, though resultant benefits of flood recession may have significantly reduced this number. However, the total number of food insecure people will likely increase between now and July due to chronic and structural food insecurity in areas such as Northern Bahr El Gazal. This is compounded by increased civil insecurity in other locations.
Peace initiatives in areas of Bor, Terekeka, Budi and Kapoeta counties prone to inter ethnic conflict and cattle raiding signal a more peaceful dry season characterized by easy access to better grazing and trade.
The negative impact of Kenya's post election conflict was temporarily felt in markets located in the southern half of Southern Sudan including Juba, Yei and Rumbek. Here, prices of imported food and non food commodities increased as a result of fuel shortages caused by the Kenya crisis. This crisis remains a threat to performance of these markets if it persists.
Mariam Isaak Nassir (L) who miscarried 3-month-old twins after being shot in the leg by Janjaweed attackers in Darfur, lies on a bed as her husband sits next to her in ...
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