Half of South Sudan’s population to undergo food crisis by 2026— IPC

(MENAFN) Experts warn that more than 50% of South Sudan’s population could experience crisis or worse levels of food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, according to recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) findings.

The projections suggest that around 7.56 million people will be food insecure between April and July, with over 2 million children at risk of severe malnutrition. Persistent insecurity, localized conflict, and ongoing flooding continue to disrupt farming and livelihoods, driving high levels of hunger and malnutrition across the country.

Currently, about 5.97 million people—roughly 42% of South Sudan’s population—face severe food insecurity from September to November. This includes 1.3 million in emergency conditions (IPC Phase 4) and 28,000 in catastrophic situations (IPC Phase 5). In particular, Luakpiny/Nasir County in the Upper Nile could face famine in a worst-case scenario, as stated by reports from UN agencies and the South Sudanese government.

“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.

Humanitarian access remains a critical challenge. Insecurity, looting, damaged roads, and flooding have left some communities isolated for months, preventing life-saving aid from reaching those most in need and worsening 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 highlighted that six counties are projected to face the most critical levels of acute malnutrition in 2026, largely due to conflict-driven displacement and restricted access to food, nutrition, water, and health services, alongside a spreading cholera outbreak. By June 2026, around 2.1 million children under five and 1.1 million mothers could suffer from acute malnutrition.

“This analysis paints a very worrying picture, with persistent high levels of severe malnutrition for the youngest children. These children are not to blame for the factors that have caused displacement and closure of nutrition sites. Safe access and continuity of life-saving health and nutrition services to all affected areas are critical and urgent,” said UNICEF country representative Noala Skinner.

South Sudan’s agriculture and food security minister confirmed that 42% of the population is currently facing crisis or worse food insecurity. He noted that the number of affected people is expected to decrease slightly to 5.86 million (41%) during the harvest and post-harvest period from December 2025 to March 2026, before rising again to 7.56 million during the lean season.

The minister pledged that the government, in coordination with UN agencies and other partners, will continue efforts to support vulnerable populations despite ongoing funding shortages.

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