South Sudan: ACTED supports food security for refugee and host communities in Upper Nile State

JAMAM [ACTED News] – Over 34,000 refugees have fled ongoing conflict in Blue Nile State, Sudan and sought refuge across the border in Jamam refugee camp. The overwhelming majority of refugees arrived without the basic materials necessary to restart agricultural activities, which are the primary livelihoods of this population. This situation is further aggravated by the poor agricultural yields for South Sudan in 2011, which has reduced the small host community’s capacity to provide food stocks, heightening the risk of food insecurity for both populations.

ACTED is working to improve the livelihoods of the refugee population and six of the most vulnerable surrounding host communities in Maban County through the distribution of crop, vegetable and tool kits to ensure that people are able to cultivate at the start of the agricultural season, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In total, 8,300 households (7,500 refugees and 800 host community) are targeted to receive seeds and tools. These distributions are accompanied by training on improved cultivation techniques and monitoring to contribute to a successful harvest.