| SOUTHERN SUDAN Food Security Watch | August 27, 2007 |
Flooding threatens September to November food security
| Figure 1. Areas of concern in southern Sudan Source: FEWS NET |
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Localized flooding following heavy rains and rising river levels in early July has affected at least 20,000 people in parts of Unity and Upper Nile states, located in the Nile–Sobat River and Eastern Flood Plains livelihood zones, respectively (see figure 1). Emergency food and non-food interventions began in July and are ongoing in flood affected areas. As the rains progress, flooding is expected to continue and may intensify in September.
Floods have forced some people to move temporarily from their homes to higher ground. In addition, the floods are likely to incur crop losses and delay the start of fishing and other livelihood activities, which will increase the level of food insecurity in affected areas.
However, as floods recede between December 2007 and February 2008, food security should improve when abundant fish and water plants will be accessible and good pastures lead to improved livestock health and increased milk production. Residual moisture from the floods may also allow recessional agriculture in some lowland areas.
In addition to providing immediate relief assistance, humanitarian organizations should develop and implement interventions that reinforce livelihood opportunities after the floods, for example, by improving access to fishing equipment or providing sorghum seeds wherever flood recession agriculture is possible.
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Figure 2: Projected impact of flooding and evolution of food security through mid-2008 |
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