FAO GIEWS Country Brief on South Sudan –

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT Risk of famine in four counties of Upper Nile and Jonglei states Concerns for 2026 cereal production due to dry weather conditions Cereal prices at exceptionally high levels, with imported staples reaching new record highs Risk of famine in four counties in Upper Nile and Jonglei states According to an update of the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis about 7.8 million people (55 percent of the total population) were estimated to face IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) or worse levels of acute food insecurity during the lean season between April and July 2026. The highest prevalence of severe acute food insecurity, estimated at about 65 percent of the population, was reported in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile states. About 73 000 people were estimated to face IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) levels of acute food insecurity, including 24 000 people in Upper Nile State and 49 000 people in Jonglei State. The IPC analysis identified a risk of famine under plausible worst‑case conditions in Luakpiny/Nasir and Ulang counties in Upper Nile State and in Nyirol and Akobo counties in Jonglei State. This reflects the impact of heightened violence since late 2025, which has undermined livelihoods, disrupted food trade and market activities, and triggered large‑scale population displacement. The dire food security situation is driven by a combination of protracted macroeconomic challenges, soaring fuel prices due to supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis, escalating violence and population displacement, particularly in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states, and the lingering impact of consecutive years of widespread flooding on livelihoods. Concerns for 2026 cereal production due to dry weather conditions In southern agricultural areas, harvesting of the 2026 first season maize and sorghum crops concluded in August. The April‑November rainy season has been characterized so far by below‑average rainfall amounts and by an erratic