The rainfall levels in South Sudan for this rainy season are above average for most of the country but conflict or insecurity is preventing many farmers from taking advantage of the conditions.
FEWS NET, a monitoring group funded by the US international aid agency, says that since mid-August rainfall has been above average in northern areas, where the main rainy season is ongoing.
There has even been some damage to crops and seasonal floods because of heavier than normal rainfall in Jonglei and Unity States, displacing an estimated 23,000 people in Twic East and 22,000 people in Mayom.
“The second rainy season in Greater Equatoria began in August and totals so far have been above average in western and central regions and slightly below average in eastern regions. Despite favorable rainfall in most areas, ongoing internal conflict is limiting area planted and cropping potential,” FEWS NET explained in a recent update.
FEWS NET stands for Famine Early Warning Systems Network. It was created by USAID in 1985 to help decision-makers plan for humanitarian crises, and partners with US Geological Service, NASA and other organizations.