4.6 million people are at risk of severe hunger as the conflict worsens, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

In a statement, the FAO says 40% of country’s population will not be able to meet food needs by July, unless action is taken.

It says, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification shows that 3.8 million people are already facing emergency and crisis levels of food insecurity as a result of the conflict, and related economic difficulties.

“This means they will not be able to adequately sustain their livelihoods or meet their food needs without engaging in negative coping mechanisms including consuming wild foods and skipping meals,” said Erminio Sacco, Chief Technical Adviser of the Agriculture Food Information System in South Sudan.

“Observed trends, such as market disruption with increasing food prices, will inevitably lead this population to spiral into acute levels of food insecurity across the country,” he added.

The agency says the conflict and insecurity disrupted last year’s planting season in the Greater Upper Nile region, and has led to the displacement of millions of livestock animals.

It also noted that inflation and depreciation of the local currency has caused a sharp increase in market prices, making it difficult for some homes to afford food items.