The U.N. food and agriculture agencies warned that recent gains in food security in Sudan could be reversed by a hike in prices and in localized conflicts.
WFP Regional Director for Sudan Amer Daoudi said states bordering northern Sudan, including Upper Nile and Unity, were most vulnerable.Mr. Amer added that while prospects for this coming year look good in terms of foodstuff.
The WFP director noted that the number of people in need of food assistance in southern Sudan has decreased due to an increase on grain production.
Mr. Amer said if there was a deterioration in security some 2.7 million people might require food assistance, doubling the present 1.4 million in need of aid.
He added that agriculture is important for southern Sudan’s development and economy.
Mr. Amer says the region has the potential to become self-sufficient and even a major exporter of food if it gets the right kind of help.