Sudan
In Sudan poor rains delayed crop planting
in parts of Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Bahr el Ghazal Provinces until June.
Crops have now been sown, but it is still too early to tell if delayed
planting will result in lower yields. Rainfall patterns are near normal
in Western Equatoria and central Eastern Equatoria Provinces, where farmers
are able to plant two crops per season. Farmers there expect good yields
and are preparing to harvest early maize, sorghum, and groundnuts. Near
Kimotong in Eastern Equatoria, however, heavy rains have led to waterlogging
and the stunting of cereal crops.
Civil insecurity continues to delay food needs assessments and the delivery of food aid to areas of critical need; for example, an estimated 90,000 displaced persons in Jonglei are still awaiting a convoy of food. In the Attar region of Upper Nile, delays in the delivery of relief food have led to measurable increases in malnutrition rates among children.
Last month the FEWS bulletin reported on serious food shortages among displaced populations in five camps near the town of Mundri in Western Equatoria. Local officials report that the food stocks of the resident population are shrinking as well. Low yields from last year's dry spell reduced the supply of local grains. Cereal prices have more than tripled since January, from =A3S 700 to =A3S 2,500; they normally fluctuate between =A3S 700 and =A3S 800 at this time of year. The World Food Program and nongovernmental organization teams report that over 20,000 persons are in urgent need of relief food and other humanitarian assistance.
Food Crisis in Sudan's Kordofan Province
The CARE office in Obeid carried out a rapid food security assessment in six counties of Northern Kordofan in early June. According to survey findings, approximately 50 percent of all households in the provinces are in need of assistance. Household food stocks are depleted, and although grain is available in the markets, it is inaccessible due to high prices and falling livestock prices. For example, a goat can usually be traded for enough cereal to feed an average family of eight for 1 month, but a goat currently trades for only 1 week's worth of cereal.
Malnutrition-related diseases, such as diarrhea, night blindness, and kwashiorkor, have also increased beyond usual levels. Large numbers of people are migrating in search of food and employment. The Sudanese Relief and Rehabilitation Commission is submitting an urgent request to the World Food Program for relief assistance.