WFP launches South Sudan’s first drought anticipatory action

Juba, July 10 (IANS) The United Nations World Food Program (WFP), in partnership with the South Sudanese government, has launched the country’s first anticipatory action initiative against drought to help vulnerable communities prepare for worsening dry conditions in Eastern Equatoria State.

The intervention, targeting Budi and Kapoeta North counties, is expected to directly benefit more than 65,000 people through early warning communications and cash assistance to protect livelihoods before drought conditions worsen.

“Anticipatory action is transforming the way we manage climate-related shocks,” Mutinta Chimuka, WFP country director for South Sudan, said in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Rather than wait for drought to deepen humanitarian needs, we are acting based on forecasts and evidence to support communities before livelihoods are disrupted. By delivering assistance early, we can help families protect what they have, strengthen their resilience, and reduce the human and economic costs of drought,” she added.

According to the WFP, cash assistance is being provided to over 50,000 people to help households meet essential food and livelihood needs before conditions deteriorate, while strengthening their purchasing power and reducing reliance on negative coping mechanisms.

The agency said more than 65,000 people are also benefiting from early warning communications and public awareness campaigns that guide drought preparedness, livestock management, efficient water use, and livelihood planning to strengthen resilience to climate shocks.

Eastern Equatoria’s agro-pastoral communities rely heavily on seasonal rainfall for crop production and livestock rearing. The WFP warned that prolonged dry conditions can quickly lead to crop failure, livestock losses, declining household incomes and worsening food insecurity among already vulnerable families.

The anticipatory action was activated with 2.45 million U.S. dollars in funding from international donors. The WFP said previous donor support had also helped establish South Sudan’s anticipatory action system, including the development of the drought anticipatory action plan and enhanced operational readiness.

By combining scientific forecasts, early warning information and pre-arranged financing, the WFP said the initiative will enable vulnerable communities to withstand climate shocks better, safeguard livelihoods and strengthen long-term resilience.

–IANS

ksk/dan