The United Kingdom has provided $2.8 million to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) to support early flood preparedness and response activities in South Sudan. The funding will specifically target Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile states, where communities face growing threats from floods, drought, and other climate-related disasters. This initiative aims to help vulnerable communities prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters.
The programme will provide early-warning information, cash assistance, livelihood support, community public works, and emergency supplies to help families protect their food, livestock, and other assets before disasters strike. This support will enable communities to take proactive measures to safeguard their livelihoods and reduce the impact of climate-related disasters. The programme will also strengthen community-based early-warning systems, flood monitoring, and coordination with government authorities.
According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Development Director in South Sudan, Sebastian Fouquet, climate shocks are exacerbating the country’s already difficult humanitarian situation. He emphasized that acting on early warnings would help vulnerable families protect their livestock, food supplies, and livelihoods while improving their ability to recover from future disasters. The UK is committed to supporting South Sudan in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
WFP Country Director for South Sudan, Mutinta Chimuka, welcomed the contribution, highlighting the importance of early action in preventing predictable climate shocks from turning into humanitarian emergencies. She stressed that proactive measures are essential to mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters on vulnerable communities. The WFP will work closely with the FAO to implement the programme and ensure its success.
FAO Acting Representative in South Sudan, Felix Dzvurumi, noted that the support would help farmers, livestock keepers, and fishing communities protect their livelihoods and improve food security. The programme will provide critical support to communities that are vulnerable to climate-related disasters, enabling them to protect their assets and maintain their livelihoods. This initiative will also contribute to improving food security in South Sudan.
The programme will run until March 2027 and will build on existing efforts to strengthen community-based early-warning systems, flood monitoring, and coordination with government authorities. The UK’s support will complement the efforts of the South Sudanese government and other stakeholders in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. This long-term commitment will help ensure the sustainability of the programme and its impact.
The latest contribution brings the UK’s total funding for El Niño-related early action in South Sudan to more than $3.7 million. This funding will help communities prepare for disasters before they happen, reducing losses, protecting livelihoods, and limiting future humanitarian needs. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support South Sudan in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- The UK provides $2.8 million to FAO and WFP to support early flood preparedness and response activities in South Sudan.
- The programme will provide early-warning information, cash assistance, livelihood support, community public works, and emergency supplies to vulnerable communities.
- The initiative aims to help communities prepare for disasters before they happen, reducing losses, protecting livelihoods, and limiting future humanitarian needs.
