S. Sudan’s Jonglei state alarmed over food scarcity
September 8, 2015 (BOR) – Bor county in South Sudan’s Jonglei’s state has recorded the lowest food production this year due to the long drought that began from May to August, the commissioner said.
According to the commissioner, there will be no proper harvest in Jalle, Kolnyang, Baidit, Anyidi and Makuach areas due to drought.
“There will be no proper harvest this year due to these severe droughts. Generally the county has food shortage. This is going to be a disaster to our people because we have failed to achieve food security,” said Ruk.
Thousands of people, the commissioner said, could suffer from hunger this year.
Ruk urged humanitarian actors to employ a strategic approach to address the looming crisis, saying even returnees coming from refugees and the displaced camps too needed food.
Few farmers, according to Jonglei’s agriculture and forestry minister, planted crops, but realised little returns from what they cultivated.
Currently, only about 4% of South Sudan’s arable land is reportedly utilised for agriculture, yet over 70% of the country’s population are engaged in the sector to improve their livelihoods and wellbeing.
In February 2014, the agriculture and forestry ministry announced plans for a comprehensive master plan, seeking to revive the largely dormant sector, as part of plans to diversify the country’s economy.
(ST)