JUBA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- About 7.8 million people in South Sudan are projected to face deteriorating food insecurity and acute hunger during the upcoming lean season, according to the latest United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report released on Tuesday.
The report indicated that these people are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity between April and July, an increase from previous estimates, highlighting growing humanitarian needs across the country.
"The latest IPC analysis indicates a worsening food security situation across the country during the projected lean period, with 7.8 million people expected to face IPC Phase 3 and above," said Lily Albino Akol, South Sudan's deputy minister for agriculture and food security.
The report pointed to a worsening nutrition situation, with the number of acutely malnourished children rising to 2.2 million, alongside about 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women requiring treatment for acute malnutrition.
The most affected areas include counties such as Akobo, Fangak, Nasir, Nyirol, Ulang, and Uror, with some regions facing a credible risk of famine if urgent assistance is not delivered.
The report said the deteriorating conditions are driven by a combination of factors, including conflict and displacement, economic challenges, flooding, and restricted humanitarian access.
An estimated 280,000 people have been displaced, disrupting livelihoods and limiting access to markets and essential services, the IPC said.
Humanitarian partners are scaling up life-saving interventions, although access constraints and funding shortfalls continue to hinder the response.
Felix Dzvurumi, head of program of the Food and Agriculture Organization South Sudan, said that while humanitarian assistance remains essential, it must be complemented by sustained investment in agriculture to address the root causes of food insecurity.
Dzvurumi noted that improving domestic food production and strengthening agri-food systems are key to helping communities become self-reliant, adding that recent gains in crop production, livestock, and fisheries demonstrate the country's potential if supported by stable conditions, market access, and targeted investments.
Rising food prices, disease outbreaks, and damage to infrastructure have further compounded the crisis, eroding household purchasing power and worsening malnutrition, particularly among children. ■