HIGHLIGHTS
2.8 million people are estimated to be severely food insecure according to the latest IPC analysis (IPC Phases 3 and 4, January–March 2016). This is a 12% increase from the same period last year.
The recent devaluation of the local currency has triggered soaring food prices, inflation and trade disruption.
+2.3 million people displaced by conflict – nearly 1.7 million internally.
Despite the signing of the peace agreement on 26 August 2015, fighting continues in some areas, hampering efforts to reach displaced populations with humanitarian aid.
FAO needs USD 45 million for the implementation of its emergency campaign in 2016, targeting 2.8 million people.
CHALLENGES FACING AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
OVERVIEW
South Sudan is facing the worst levels of food insecurity since independence owing to conflict, high food prices, market disruptions and an escalating economic crisis. Some 2.8 million people (IPC Phases 3, 4 and 5) are facing severe food and nutrition insecurity with the majority located in Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei States. Of particular concern are the estimated 40 000 people expected to face a Catastrophe (IPC Phase 4) between January and March. Although the existence of famine was ruled out, the IPC team warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate into a larger-scale Catastrophe in the absence of urgent and immediate humanitarian access and assistance.