A new joint UN, FAO and WFP report said on Friday at least 4.1 million people in South Sudan are likely to be food insecure this year.
The report said food production increased by over 35 percent between 2011 and 2012 due to good rains, improved cultivation practices and expanded area under cultivation.It added that it was an improvement over last year’s food security figures, but nearly 40 percent of the country’s population will have trouble getting enough to eat at some point during the year.
WFP Country Director Chris Nikoi said South Sudan has a tremendous agricultural potential, and the improved harvest estimate is good news, but the country’s overall food security situation remains very precarious.
He added there is need to redouble efforts to improve the livelihoods of the poorest and most vulnerable South Sudanese, and ensure they can produce their own food.