Crops dried by prolonged lack of rain. Courtesy photo.

A civil society group in Lakes State has raised concern over a severe dry spell that is damaging crops across several counties.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, CEPO, said farmers in Greater Rumbek, Greater Yirol, Wulu and Cueibet counties are reporting that maize, sorghum and groundnuts planted this season are wilting due to prolonged lack of rain.

CEPO said the affected crops are a major source of food for many households in the coming months.

The organization warned that continued crop failure could worsen food insecurity, increase malnutrition and push more families into crisis.

CEPO is calling on the State Ministry of Agriculture and humanitarian partners to urgently conduct a crop and food security assessment to determine the extent of the damage.

It also urged the government and humanitarian agencies to pre-position food assistance and seeds for quick replanting where possible, with priority given to women-headed households and returnees.

The group further called for support to communities through water points for people and livestock, as well as alternative livelihood options such as vegetable kits and cash assistance.

CEPO also urged authorities to strengthen early warning systems and provide communities with information on climate-smart agriculture and food preservation to reduce future losses.

The concerns in Lakes State come amid similar reports of food insecurity in Eastern Equatoria State, where prolonged dry conditions have reportedly contributed to the deaths of three people from starvation.

The state government has called for action to address the situation.