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Over Half of South Sudan Could Face Food Insecurity in 2026, IPS Warns
(MENAFN) An Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report released Tuesday warns that more than 50% of South Sudan’s population could experience crisis-level or worse food insecurity during the 2026 lean season.
The report projects that roughly 7.56 million people will struggle with food shortages from April through July, including over 2 million children likely to face acute malnutrition.
High levels of hunger and malnutrition in South Sudan are being driven by localized conflicts and escalating civil insecurity, which have displaced large populations, as well as widespread flooding that continues to disrupt both livelihoods and agricultural production, according to the report.
Between September and November, an estimated 5.97 million people—42% of the population—are expected to experience severe food insecurity. This includes 1.3 million in emergency (IPC Phase 4) conditions and 28,000 in catastrophe (IPC Phase 5), with Luakpiny/Nasir County in the Upper Nile facing a potential famine under a worst-case scenario, the report by UN agencies and the South Sudan government said.
“The hunger we are witnessing in South Sudan partly stems from disrupted agricultural seasons and agri-food systems that are sufficient to meet the country’s food needs,” said Meshack Malo, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative in South Sudan.
“Achieving lasting peace and revitalizing agri-food systems are essential to ending hunger. When fields are cultivated and markets are restored, families will reclaim their dignity,” he added.
The report also underscores that humanitarian access remains one of the most urgent challenges. Insecurity, looting, poor roads, and persistent flooding have left entire communities cut off for months, preventing life-saving aid from reaching those most in need and deepening their vulnerability.
“This is an alarming trajectory,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the World Food Program's (WFP) country director in South Sudan.
“The persistent hunger levels remain deeply troubling. In counties where peace has held, and actors have consistent access, as well as resources, people have taken the first steps towards recovery. While this progress is encouraging, it is crucial that we sustain the momentum to ensure lasting positive change across all affected communities.”
The report projects that roughly 7.56 million people will struggle with food shortages from April through July, including over 2 million children likely to face acute malnutrition.
High levels of hunger and malnutrition in South Sudan are being driven by localized conflicts and escalating civil insecurity, which have displaced large populations, as well as widespread flooding that continues to disrupt both livelihoods and agricultural production, according to the report.
Between September and November, an estimated 5.97 million people—42% of the population—are expected to experience severe food insecurity. This includes 1.3 million in emergency (IPC Phase 4) conditions and 28,000 in catastrophe (IPC Phase 5), with Luakpiny/Nasir County in the Upper Nile facing a potential famine under a worst-case scenario, the report by UN agencies and the South Sudan government said.
“The hunger we are witnessing in South Sudan partly stems from disrupted agricultural seasons and agri-food systems that are sufficient to meet the country’s food needs,” said Meshack Malo, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative in South Sudan.
“Achieving lasting peace and revitalizing agri-food systems are essential to ending hunger. When fields are cultivated and markets are restored, families will reclaim their dignity,” he added.
The report also underscores that humanitarian access remains one of the most urgent challenges. Insecurity, looting, poor roads, and persistent flooding have left entire communities cut off for months, preventing life-saving aid from reaching those most in need and deepening their vulnerability.
“This is an alarming trajectory,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the World Food Program's (WFP) country director in South Sudan.
“The persistent hunger levels remain deeply troubling. In counties where peace has held, and actors have consistent access, as well as resources, people have taken the first steps towards recovery. While this progress is encouraging, it is crucial that we sustain the momentum to ensure lasting positive change across all affected communities.”
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