Conflict and famine - South Sudan

Communities in South Sudan are making fishing nets using the World Vision fishing kits ©World Vision Australia.

The people of South Sudan have experienced a long period of violent conflict and upheaval, beginning with the struggle for independence from Sudan and the subsequent outbreak of hostilities by warring political rivals and their military factions. By early 2017, the humanitarian situation had deteriorated dramatically due to a combination of drought and the continued instability to food supply caused by theconflict. More than three million people were either internally displaced or seeking refuge in neighbouring countries and famine was declared across parts of the country.

The AHP Response

In 2017, the Australian Government announced an AUD 9 million humanitarian response to be delivered through the AHP to support South Sudan. World Vision Australia and Oxfam Australia were each selected to implement responses.

Access to displaced communities in South Sudan is challenging © Oxfam AQustralia

World Vision Australia worked with World Vision South Sudan, World Relief and the Universal Intervention and Development Organization (UNIDO) and focused on food security and livelihoods, nutrition, WASH and protection activities in Unity and Northern Bahr El Ghazal states. Oxfam Australia worked with Oxfam South Sudan and focused on food security and livelihoods, WASH and protection in Unity and Jonglei states.

Combined, the two AHP responses reached almost 280,000 people, with women and children representing half of all people reached.

Response Highlights

• Almost 280,000 people were reached across three famine-impacted states, despite frequent delays due to ongoing conflict and instability.

• 80% of households receiving cash transfers reported an increase in food sources at household level when compared to baseline data.

• Food security lessened as a result of more diversified diets and livelihood activities.

• Access to safer and more reliable water sources improved, reducing the risk of waterborne disease.