Heightened violence in Darfur and large influx of returnees to southern Sudan pose concerns
- The good 2010/11 harvest has improved food security conditions in Sudan. However, increased fighting between Darfur rebels and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the high number of returnees to southern Sudan following the referendum, and new economic reform policies threaten the recent food security improvements.
- In northern Sudan, food insecurity is concentrated in Darfur, Red Sea, North Kordofan, White Nile, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan states. In Darfur and Red Sea states, moderate food insecurity is expected to continue through June, due to the insecurity and limited livelihood options. In other areas (North Kordofan, South Kordofan, and White Nile states), moderate food insecurity is expected during the lean season (May to October). High food insecurity is expected in Abeyi and Jabal Mara through June due to civil insecurity and limited access to markets.
- In southern Sudan, moderately food insecure households are concentrated in Unity, Jonglei, and Eastern Equatoria states due to last year's below?normal crop harvests, reduced grain availability, increased prices, and the high number of returnees. Moderate food insecurity will be sustained through March/April and then increase to high food insecurity during April/June.
- Despite the peaceful completion of the January referendum, increased prices and reduced flows of essential food and non?food commodities into southern Sudan since late last year have persisted, particularly in Upper Nile and Unity. These states exclusively source commodities from northern Sudan, where prices have increased since January. Prospects for further price increases are high due to anticipated global food price increases, especially for cooking oil, cereal, and sugar.