Dry spell puts 70 percent of Northern Bahr el Ghazal population at risk of food shortages

A prolonged dry spell could leave about 70 percent of the population in Northern Bahr el Ghazal facing food shortages later this year and early next year, according to a rapid food-security assessment conducted by the state government and humanitarian partners.

The assessment, carried out under the Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster, examined the impact of the prolonged dry spell on crops, livestock and food security across the state.

Speaking to journalists after a Council of Ministers meeting to review the findings, State Minister of Information Gabriel Daniel said agricultural production had been significantly affected, particularly sorghum, millet and vegetables.

“The finding represents 70% of the total population [that] are likely to be affected by food shortages early next year and late of this year,” Daniel said.

He said Aweil Centre, a highland area, was identified as the most severely affected, followed by Aweil East.

“We came to understand that Aweil Centre, which is Highland, is the most affected, followed by Aweil East,” he said.

Daniel said the dry spell has mainly affected sorghum, millet and vegetables, while livestock are also increasingly at risk because of deteriorating agricultural and grazing conditions.

“The crops that are affected are mainly sorghum, millet and vegetables. We also have animals that are going to be affected,” Daniel said.

The minister called on humanitarian organizations and government institutions to strengthen coordination and take measures to prevent the food-security situation from worsening.

The rapid assessment was initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Forestry in collaboration with food-security and livelihood partners.