Attachments
Current Situation
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Staple food prices varied considerably across South Sudan in May. Prices are highest and most variable in conflict-affected areas of Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile States were many markets are destroyed and have no resumed operations since mid-December 2013. Market access has been further constrained in many areas due to the seasonal deterioration of road conditions due to heavy rainfall.
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In Maiwut County (Upper Nile), the price of sorghum is up to 25 SSP/KG, over six times the price observed in Juba. In Eastern Mayom County (Unity), the prices of sorghum, maize, and milk are five times their respective 2013 levels. The livestock auction in Leer (Unity State) is operational, but bull and fish prices are approximately 50 percent lower than their respective 2013 levels. Most people are bartering livestock for cereals and seeds (cash is used for other purchases).
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The route between Payinjiar County (Unity) and Ayod County (Jonglei) has been cut off due to insecurity. Traders from Panyijar County (Unity) now travel by river to Dhaiom Port in Duk County (Jonglei) to buy sorghum, sugar, and maize. Traders from Leer country currently travel to Panyijar and Mayom counties for supplies.
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Sorghum and maize prices outside of conflict-affected areas remained unseasonably stable or continued to decrease in May due to relatively weak demand coupled with the availability of local production from the October to February harvest, imports from Sudan and Uganda, and the availability of relief commodities (particularly in Aweil).