Vegetable farmer in Yambio. (Photo: Courtesy).

The Norwegian Embassy in Juba has announced an additional contribution of 140 million Norwegian Kroner ($12.6 million) to address urgent food security and protection needs among vulnerable communities in South Sudan.

The funding will be channeled through humanitarian and development partners to support needy communities, including refugees and returnees affected by Sudan’s civil war and widespread flooding that has devastated livelihoods and undermined resilience across the country.

In a press statement, Oslo’s diplomatic mission said the initiative seeks to alleviate acute food shortages worsened by conflict, climate change, and economic instability, the embassy added.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been allocated approximately $7.6 million to bolster food security initiatives while other partners, including the Strømme Foundation and Mercy Corps, will receive the remaining funds dedicated to food security efforts.

The UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF is allocated $3.6 million to deliver protection services for South Sudanese children and youth, with a focus on girls and those in conflict-affected areas.

“Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges in South Sudan, with millions facing hunger daily,” said Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan, Roar Haugsdal.

“It is vital that the people, government, and international donors work together to create long-term solutions to reduce hunger and food insecurity.

Ambassador Haugsdal also called on South Sudanese leaders to demonstrate political will by implementing the extended 2018 peace accord known as the R-ARCSS and making meaningful compromises during the Tumaini peace talks.

The United Nations estimates that approximately 9 million people in South Sudan required urgent humanitarian assistance in 2024, with food insecurity reaching critical levels in many areas.

The Mission said by addressing the root causes of hunger and promoting local agricultural production, South Sudan can pave the way for a self-reliant country.

It reiterated Norway’s steadfast commitment in assisting South Sudan’s development programs – having contributed over $100 million in the past year.