More than 6.35 million people are on the verge of acute food insecurity – UN agencies.

 

Sept 12, 2019 (Nyamilepedia)- According to a new study released by UN agencies, an estimated 6.35 million people, representing 54% of the country’s population, are classified in crisis (IPC Phase III) or severe food insecurity, including an estimated 1.7 million people who are facing an emergency (IPC) Phase 4).
The analysis indicated that after the Parties signed a peace agreement, the levels of food insecurity have improved significantly, resulting in enhanced livelihoods better service delivery among the population.

“The slight improvement in the food security situation in 2019 lean season compared to the same period in 2018 is attributed to reduced insecurity after the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan in September 2018, which has led to better access to livelihoods and markets,” the report said.

The United Nations agencies acknowledged that, humanitarian access has improved during this period, further contributing to the increased access to food, nutrition and livelihood support, as well as service delivery.

“However, high levels of acute food insecurity still persist in the country. In both periods, these estimates are in the presence of humanitarian food assistance,” it stressed.

If no action is taken, the report revealed that an estimated 5.5 million people representing 47% of the population are likely to face IPC Phase Three in 2020.

“In the post-harvest period of January to April 2020, the food security situation will deteriorate as household food stocks start depleting and an estimated 5.5 million people (47% of the total population) are likely face Crisis (IPC Phase 3).”