Government officials in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, along with humanitarian and development partners, held a consultation meeting to review findings from a rapid assessment conducted in five counties. The assessment aimed to determine the impact of a prolonged dry spell affecting all counties in the state. This meeting was prompted by fears of food shortages later this year and into 2027. The state minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Garang Chan Atak, described the situation as critical.
The rapid assessment was initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, and its findings have been compiled into a report. Minister Atak stated that an estimated 1.1 million people across the state have been affected by the prolonged dry spell. He plans to share the assessment report with the national Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and his counterparts to support efforts to address the growing threat of hunger in the state.
State Minister of Information Gabriel Deng Yel represented Governor Charles Madut Akol at the meeting. He said the consultation with international partners came at a critical time, as communities were unable to prepare adequately for the consequences of poor agricultural yields caused by the prolonged dry spell. Yel emphasized the need for the government, local NGOs, and international organisations to work together to address the situation.
Minister Yel plans to brief Governor Charles Madut Akol and national authorities, including the ministries responsible for agriculture and disaster management. This will enable them to take appropriate measures to contain the situation. He called on local and international partners to strengthen their support for affected communities through agricultural assistance and humanitarian interventions.
Many parts of South Sudan have experienced inadequate rainfall this year, leaving farmers struggling to cultivate crops. Residents in affected communities say they need alternative livelihood support, including assistance with horticultural activities. This support could enable households to grow vegetables for both consumption and income generation.
The situation in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State is critical, with fears of food shortages and worsening conditions in 2027. Minister Atak and Minister Yel urged partners to work together to prevent the situation from worsening. They emphasized the need for urgent action to support affected communities and address the growing threat of hunger in the state.
The consultation meeting was a response to the Council of Ministers' call to review the findings on the long dry spell affecting crops and vegetables. The meeting brought together representatives from the government, local NGOs, and international organisations. They reviewed the document and discussed ways to join hands to address the situation.
Key points
- An estimated 1.1 million people across Northern Bahr El Ghazal State have been affected by the prolonged dry spell.
- The situation in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State is critical, with fears of food shortages and worsening conditions in 2027.
- The government and partners are urging for urgent action to support affected communities and address the growing threat of hunger in the state.
