Attachments
INTRODUCTION
With the aim of informing cash-based interventions and to better understand market dynamics in South Sudan, the Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI) was initiated by the South Sudan Cash Working Group (CWG) in August 2019. The initiative is guided by the JMMI Technical Working Group, led by REACH, and supported by the CWG members. The initiative is funded by the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Marketplaces across South Sudan are assessed on a monthly basis. In each location, field teams record prices and other market indicators through trader interviews.This factsheet presents an overview of prices for key foods and non-food items (NFIs) in the assessed areas, as well as the costs associated with key elements of the Multi-Sector Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket (MSSMEB).
Market Functionality Score (MFS)
The Market Functionality Score (MFS) is a method of classifying markets based on their level of functionality. The MFS is divided into five dimensions:
• Accessibility (25%): physical and social access to markets
• Availability (30%): ability of markets to consistently supply core commodities
• Affordability (15%): financial access to markets and price volatility
• Resilience (20%): vulnerability of supply chains and ease of restocking
• Infrastructure (10%): state of markets’ physical and financial infrastructure
22 Participating agencies
55 Assessed locations
946 Key informant interviews (KIIs)
86 Assessed marketplaces
34 Assessed commodities
KEY FINDINGS
• Between September and October 2024, the median cost of the MSSMEB decreased by 5%, while the food basket fell by 12%. The reduction in food basket costs is primarily driven by price drops in sorghum (22%) and maize (3%). However, salt and beans prices surged by 45% and 20%, respectively.
• The highest MSSMEB prices were recorded in Lankien (Nyirol), Wulu Town, Melut Town, Bentiu PoC, Old Fangak, Rubkona Town, Leer Town, Paloich (Melut County), Bentiu, and Nasir Town.
• Since September 2024, Lankien has experienced the most significant monthly increase, with the MSSMEB skyrocketing by 131% and the food basket soaring by 191%. Rumbek Town followed with a 69% rise in the MSSMEB and a 76% increase in the food basket. Abyei recorded a 63% rise in the MSSMEB and a 61% increase in the food basket, while Kodok (Fashoda) experienced a significant 56% increase in the MSSMEB and a 64% increase in the food basket.
• Traders in the assessed locations reported that roads from Meram to Wanyjok, Bor to Akobo, Lankien to Waat, Dukpadiet to Waat, Pibor to Akobo, Malakal to Lankien, Guit to Leer, and Koch to Leer were closed due to poor road conditions and seasonality.
• Despite a decrease in MSSMEB and food basket costs compared to September, these costs remain high in October 2024. Several factors could add to this situation, such as the South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) depreciation and various restocking challenges. These include poor road conditions (mentioned by 36% of surveyed traders), border closures (21%), high taxation in the marketplaces (20%), high checkpoint costs (15%), and high fuel prices (11%).