Markets in the Western Jebel region of South Kordofan (western Nuba Mountains) are experiencing scarcity of goods and higher than normal sorghum prices, according to a new humanitarian report.

The price of sorghum has increased up to 210 SDG for sack (30 malwa/90 Kg) compared to a normal seasonal price of 150 SDG, says the report by the South Kordofan Blue Nile Coordination Unit, a group that monitors the market sitation in parts of the two mentioned states.

In a monthly update released Tuesday, the humanitarian group reported “reduction of basic commodities in the local market such as sugar, soap, drugs, and clothing,” as well as medicines. For example, a market in Mulish Payam of Lagawa County has closed down due to lack of items to sell.

The report cites bad roads and insecurity as factors that are limiting the availability of food and commodities in the local markets in the Western Jebel region.

The humanitarian monitors reported high rates of crop failure in several areas including Farshaya and Karko payams of Dilling County and Al-kashaand Al-shifir payams in Al-Sunut County. Rains came late in some areas affecting certain crops such as maize, sorghum, okra and other vegetables.  

File photo: Vegetables for sale at a market in Buram, Nuba Mountains