Over 4.5 million people are likely to face worse levels of food insecurity – report
South Sudan’s map, featuring areas that are likely to experience extreme levels of food insecurity in 2020 (Photo credit:FEWS-NET)
Nov 10th, 2019 (SSNN)-The global leading information and analysis provider on food insecurity, The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS-NET) has warned that “an estimated 4.5 million people are likely to face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse acute food insecurity during the October 2019 to January 2020 harvesting period in the presence of planned humanitarian food assistance.”
In a new report released recently, the group warned that in light of the humanitarian situation exacerbated by the ongoing floods, the extreme levels of food insecurity in Maban and other areas affected by the natural disaster could be doubled.
“However, it is likely that the number of households experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity and the severity of food insecurity in Maban, specifically, is higher than originally anticipated due to flooding that has caused displacement and losses of crops and food aid commodities at the household level, in addition to disruptions to food assistance delivery, trade flows, and market functioning.”
The report noted that, “Food insecurity is most severe in Ulang, Maiwut, and Maban counties of Upper Nile and Duk county of Jonglei, where Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes exist due to the impact of flooding on household crop production and food access.”
The global food monitors explained that, in the event that the peace deal doesn’t hold the war-torn country is most likely to experience one of the worst levels of food insecurity in 2020.
“Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are expected, though past trends indicate humanitarian food assistance is likely to prevent Emergency (IPC Phase 4) in some counties in 2020. In the event that the peace deal does not hold, and a resurgence of conflict prevents populations from moving in search of food sources or restricts humanitarian access for a prolonged period of time, food insecurity would likely worsen. Poor households who did not harvest or do not own livestock with few income sources to access food would be at risk of Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5). Famine (IPC Phase 5) would be likely in counties where there are already high levels of acute food insecurity.”
The group called on the parties to implement outstanding issues impeding the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.
“Full implementation of the September 2018 peace deal, an end to conflict by all parties, and a scale-up of assistance is needed to prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods.”
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