Heavy rains cause floods but prospects for a good harvest remain high
- In Northern Sudan, the lean season has reached its peak in July/August and moderate to high levels of food insecurity are likely to continue up to October. Highly food insecure populations are concentrated in North and South Darfur State, Red Sea State, Abeyi locality in South Kordofan State, Hamarat Al Sheikh, and Sodarie localities in North Kordofan State. Moderate food insecurity persists in West Darfur and parts of Kassala, North and South Kordofan, and Blue and White Nile states.
- Heavy rains during July/August in Northern Sudan have raised the prospects for above-average harvests, although they have also caused localized flash floods across the country. Aboveaverage rains are expected to continue, at least through September, due to the recently declared La Niña event.
- In Southern Sudan, the food insecure population remains concentrated in Jonglei, Warrap, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal. However, the harvest and consumption of early crops of maize and groundnuts have begun in many areas in Eastern Equatoria, Lakes, Warrap, Unity, Northern and Western Bahr el Gazal states, marking the end of the lean season.
- Initial findings of rapid crop assessments conducted across Southern Sudan during August 16-26 indicate that rainfall and crop performance in 2010 are better than last year and that there is increased land under cultivation compared to 2009. This raises optimism for an improved harvest, with the exception of areas affected by LRA insecurity in Western Equatoria, and areas of earlier than normal or excessive flooding, namely the lowlands of Aweil West and South, Twic East, Awerial/Aliap, and central parts of Jonglei State. A Crop Food Supply Assessment Mission (CFSAM) expected to take place in October will help establish a more accurate picture of 2010 crop harvests.