South Sudan
Escalating Conflict & Growing Hunger
Renewed conflict and displacement are deepening hunger across South Sudan, while continued arrivals from neighboring Sudan are placing additional pressure on already strained communities and resources.
Make a difference in South Sudan
Record Levels of Hunger
South Sudan is facing a deepening hunger crisis as conflict, displacement, economic hardship and climate shocks converge. More than 1.4 million people have arrived from neighboring Sudan since April 2023, placing further strain on already overstretched communities and resources.
2M
people are internally displaced
7.8M
people are facing extreme hunger
2.2M
children under 5 are acutely malnourished
South Sudan Facts
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Population: 11.3 million
Background: South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 following decades of civil war. Since then, it’s continued to struggle with internal conflict that has caused widespread hunger and displacement.
Geography & Climate: South Sudan is located in East-Central Africa, bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. The land is mostly vast savannas and swamps. It has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons, prone to floods and droughts.
Economy: South Sudan’s economy is fragile with high inflation and cost of goods. Over 76% of its population lives below the poverty line, with most relying on small farming and humanitarian aid.
Causes of Hunger in South Sudan
Conflict
The conflict in Sudan continues to fuel a massive displacement crisis, with more than 1.4 million refugees and returnees crossing into South Sudan since April 2023. WFP is providing critical food and nutrition assistance to refugees, returnees and other vulnerable people as growing humanitarian needs strain already limited resources.
Climate Extremes
South Sudan is highly vulnerable to climate shocks, including recurrent flooding, drought and prolonged dry spells. In 2026, below-average rainfall and extreme heat have damaged crops, strained water supplies and threatened livelihoods, pushing vulnerable families deeper into hunger.
Rising Prices
The conflict in Sudan has compounded South Sudan’s economic crisis, disrupting trade and contributing to soaring food prices and currency depreciation. The average cost of a basic food basket has risen more than eightfold compared with levels before the war in Sudan began.
History of Hunger in South Sudan
July 9, 2011
After a referendum vote, South Sudan seceded from Sudan to become the newest country.
2019-2024
Weather extremes have caused 6 consecutive years of flooding, causing mass displacement, destruction and hunger, with no time to recover.
2024-Present
Conflict in the Upper Nile region has destabilized the area and caused more hunger, threatening to plunge South Sudan back into famine.
WFP’s Crisis Response in South Sudan
The U.N. World Food Programme has been providing lifesaving support to millions of people in virtually all areas of the country that are accessible since independence in 2011 (and as part of Sudan since 1963).
Food & Cash
Food assistance is essential to preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in South Sudan. In August 2026, WFP assisted 1.9 million people across the country, including 1.7 million crisis-affected people.
Nutrition
The right nutrition at the right time can save lives. In 2025, WFP provided 1.5 million children under 5 and pregnant and breastfeeding women with specialized nutritious foods to prevent and treat acute malnutrition.
Climate Projects
WFP helps communities prepare for, cope with and recover from extreme weather events. Through resilience-building projects, WFP helps people build flood control dams and plant drought-tolerant crops.
Airdrops
Airdrops are a last resort for families trapped in dangerous, inaccessible areas. These places are cut off by conditions that make roads impassable. Airdrops allow WFP to reach these areas with emergency food.
Latest News From South Sudan
- Blog
- September 14, 2026
- News Release
- August 14, 2026
- News Release
- May 31, 2026