Drought, crop failure fuel hunger concerns in Eastern Equatoria

Worsening drought conditions and crop failures are raising concerns over food shortages in Eastern Equatoria State, with authorities urging communities to continue farming despite challenges including a lack of seeds.

Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Information John Elia Ahaji said prolonged dry conditions have affected harvests, leaving many families worried about food availability.

“This issue of hunger and drought is now disturbing everybody. People are worried because their crops have failed,” Ahaji said.

Ahaji urged farmers to continue cultivation following recent rainfall in some areas, saying increased local production remains the main hope for addressing food shortages.

“We are urging our people to continue with cultivation since the rain has begun. That is the only hope. We are also facing economic crisis. The challenge that they have is the lack of seeds,” he said.

The minister said supporting agriculture is critical as communities face increasing difficulties in accessing food.

The concerns come as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports worsening food insecurity and emerging drought conditions in several parts of South Sudan.

According to OCHA, a joint humanitarian assessment in Lafon County, Eastern Equatoria, found a severe hunger situation linked to prolonged drought that destroyed crops.

The assessment found that some families have resorted to eating wild foods, selling household assets, or leaving their homes in search of food and better living conditions. More than 1,200 people have reportedly fled the county.

OCHA also warned that emerging drought conditions are affecting communities in Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria, Jonglei State, and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, with more than 1.46 million people at risk.