Photo Credit|WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme, WFP, and the Government of South Sudan have activated the country’s first-ever drought anticipatory action plan, providing cash transfers and early warning support to more than 65,000 people in Budi and Kapoeta North counties of Eastern Equatoria State facing severe climate-induced food insecurity.

The intervention is targeting more than 65,000 people in Budi and Kapoeta North counties of Eastern Equatoria State through cash transfers and early warning information before the drought worsens.

WFP says anticipatory action allows humanitarian assistance to reach communities before a crisis unfolds, helping families protect their lives, food security, and livelihoods.

WFP Country Director in South Sudan, Mutinta Chimuka, says early action based on forecasts and evidence is changing the way climate-related shocks are managed.

“Anticipatory action is transforming the way we manage climate-related shocks. 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.”

Cash assistance for more than 52,700 people is helping households meet essential food and livelihood needs before conditions deteriorate, while strengthening purchasing power and reducing reliance on harmful coping strategies.

More than 65,000 people are also benefiting from early warning communication and awareness campaigns covering drought preparedness, livestock management, water use, and livelihood planning.

Eastern Equatoria’s agro-pastoral communities rely heavily on seasonal rainfall for crop production and livestock rearing. WFP says prolonged dry conditions can lead to crop failure, livestock losses, reduced household incomes, and worsening food insecurity.

The drought anticipatory action plan is supported by 1.08 million US dollars from the Korea International Cooperation Agency, and 1.37 million US dollars from Germany, alongside previous support from the Government of Ireland and KOICA.