Southern Sudan: A massive return of refugees threatens food security

By on January 13, 2011
Two UN agencies have released, in Rome, that due to food expense and an anticipated return, to  South Sudan, of about 400 000 refugees after post-referendum period could threaten the country’s food security.

The overall situation of food security has improved considerably in 2010 compared to the previous year, largely thanks to good rains, has said the Regional Director of the  World Food Programme (WFP) in Sudan; but this should not does and Under no circumstances give rise to complacency. More than a million people still need food assistance and the situation could deteriorate quickly, the WFP representative added. Cereal production in 2010 is estimated at 695000 tonnes, nearly 30% more in 2009, leaving an overall deficit of about 291000 tonnes to cover in 2011 by commercial imports and food aid. However, and in anticipation of some 400 000 people, returning to the South to vote, the deficit estimated could reach 340 000 tonnes, has said Mario Zappacosta, an FAO economist.
In case of a decrease in exchange, an increase of demand, a rising in food prices and a worsening insecurity in the post-referendum period, the number of people receiving food assistance emergency could reach 2.7 million out of a population of southern Sudan estimated at 9.16 million in 2011.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.