Food insecurity is spreading in border areas, The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) has said in a report
--Key areas of concern remain most parts of Jonglei, Upper Nile, Warrap, and Northern Bahr El Gazal states, and northern parts of Unity State, where Crisis (IPC Phase 3) levels of food insecurity will persist during the Outlook scenario period (April to September 2012), as the lean season peaks.
--Food insecurity in Northern Bahr El Gazal, Warrap, Unity and Upper Nile states, particularly in areas close to the South Sudan – Sudan border, could further deteriorate should conflict levels escalate during the scenario period.
--Prices of sorghum, the main staple food, have substantially risen across key markets compared to the same time last year. Given increased inflation and high fuel prices, cereal prices are expected to remain above average, particularly after June, when most roads become impassable.
--The GHA Climate Outlook Forum (COF) forecast for the the March to May rains, which is relevant for the southern sector of South Sudan, calls for average rains for Western, Eastern and Central Equatoria, which implies a likelihood of normal rains for half of the Greater Equatoria April – July cropping season.
The report is available here:
www.fews.net