FAO Warns of Famine Risk in Four South Sudan Counties Amid Food Security Crisis

Copyright: © WFP/Cheick Omar Bandaogo.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned of a risk of famine in four counties of South Sudan amid worsening food insecurity, violence, population displacement and economic pressures.

According to the latest FAO Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS) country brief, about 7.8 million people — representing 55 percent of South Sudan’s population — were estimated to face Crisis-level food insecurity or worse during the April-to-July 2026 lean season.

The most severe conditions were reported in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile states, where about 65 percent of the population was estimated to be experiencing severe acute food insecurity.

The assessment estimates that about 73,000 people were facing IPC Phase 5, or Catastrophe-level, food insecurity, including 49,000 people in Jonglei and 24,000 in Upper Nile.

The counties identified as being at risk of famine under plausible worst-case conditions are Luakpiny/Nasir and Ulang in Upper Nile State, and Nyirol and Akobo in Jonglei State.

FAO said the deteriorating food security situation has been driven by several factors, including prolonged economic difficulties, rising fuel prices, disruptions to supply chains, escalating violence and displacement, particularly in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile. The lingering effects of repeated flooding have also weakened livelihoods.

FAO also raised concerns about South Sudan’s 2026 cereal production, citing below-average and irregular rainfall in several agricultural areas.

In southern parts of the country, harvesting of first-season maize and sorghum crops was completed in August. However, prolonged dry spells during the first growing season affected crop establishment and development, with cereal production expected to be below average.

In central and northern agricultural areas, harvesting of short-cycle maize and sorghum has begun and is expected to continue through October, while long-cycle sorghum will be harvested between November 2026 and January 2027.

FAO said below-average rainfall in these areas has already affected vegetation conditions and could further constrain crop development and yields.

Weather forecasts indicate a high likelihood of below-average rainfall in September. However, southern areas are expected to receive above-average rainfall between October and December, which could support second-season crops and improve yields.

The agency also said intensified insecurity since late 2025 has disrupted agricultural activities in some areas and could contribute to localized crop production shortfalls.

Food prices are also placing additional pressure on households.

In Juba, sorghum prices remained at record levels between March and June 2026, while prices of maize and wheat flour — largely imported from neighboring Uganda — increased by between 20 and 25 percent during the same period.

FAO attributed the increase in imported cereal prices partly to the depreciation of the local currency on the parallel market and a 30 to 35 percent increase in diesel prices between March and June.

The agency said higher import costs, elevated fuel prices, inflation and continued currency weakness have contributed to exceptionally high cereal prices in the capital and across the country.

The latest assessment underscores the growing pressure on food security in South Sudan, particularly in conflict-affected areas where violence, displacement, disrupted markets and weak agricultural production are combining to increase humanitarian needs.