Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

South Sudan

South Sudan Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI) 1 - 7 September 2024

Assessment
Source
Posted
Originally published
Origin
View original

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 Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). 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

26 Participating agencies

55 Assessed locations

989 Key informant interviews (KIIs)

93 Assessed marketplaces

34 Assessed commodities

KEY FINDINGS

  • Between August and September, the median prices of essential food items in the monitored markets nationwide experienced a notable rise. Rice increased by 21%, salt by 21%, sorghum grain increased by 17%, and sugar by 17%. Concurrently, the median prices for the food expenditure basket saw a 19% increase, while the MSSMEB rose by 18%.

  • In September 2024, Wanyjok, Malualkon and Malakal Poc markets have the highest MFS, with a score above 75.

  • Since August 2024, Akobo town experienced the highest monthly increase in the value of the MSSMEB, soaring by 82%. Following closely behind were Ezo with a 69% increase, Walagak at 65%, Juba town with 51% rise, and Wulu with a 48% surge.

  • The highest prices for the MSSMEB were reported in Mayendit town, Old Fangak (Fangak), Leer Town, Wulu, Walagak (Akobo County), and Ganylel (Panyijiar County) during this period.

  • Since August 2024, the most substantial monthly increase in the cost of the food basket was noted in Wulu town, surging by 80%. Following closely were Akobo Town with a 76% increase, Walagak at 72%, Ezo with a 63% rise, Panyagor in twicEast County at 59% and Pibor town experiencing a 51% increase.

  • The high MSSMEB prices could be attributed to several factors: depreciation of the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) as well as restocking constraints such as poor road conditions 36% high taxation in the marketplaces (mentioned by 26% of surveyed traders), high checkpoint costs 20%, and high fuel prices 15%.

  • Traders in the assessed locations reported that roads from Bor to Akobo, Lankien to Waat, Dukpadiet to Waat, Pibor to Akobo, Narus to Pochala and Malakal to Lankien were closed due to poor road conditions.

Related Content