Renk County in Upper Nile State has witnessed a slight drop in commodity prices, with sugar and maize flour becoming more affordable, according to a statement made by a local official.
Chol Ajieng, the secretary-general of the Renk County Chamber of Commerce, shared insights with Radio Tamazuj regarding the recent price adjustments, attributing it to changes in currency exchange rates driven by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
“As a result of the war in Sudan, our currency has gained strength against the Sudanese pound. SSP 100 used to be exchanged at 50 Sudanese Pounds but it is now exchanged at SSP 75, which is a difference of 25 percent.” He explained. “1 kg of sugar which used to cost SSP 1,500, is now sold at 800.”
Ajieng also emphasized that agricultural production has declined significantly due to stagnation in the market as farmers struggle to purchase seeds and agricultural equipment amid a lack of government funding.
“Agricultural production has significantly decreased due to a lack of resources and support from the government,” he said. “A farmer that used to cultivate 1,000 acres can now only afford to cultivate 250 acres. This may cause famine in the coming months.”
The instability across the border in Sudan has had a ripple effect on Renk’s agricultural sector and consequently its economy.
On a more optimistic note, Ahmed Mohamed Musa, a Sudanese trader operating in the Renk market, however, said the local economy in Renk has remained relatively stable because of the availability of Sudanese Pounds and the inflow of goods from Sudan’s White Nile and Blue Nile states, as well as from Juba.
“In general, the situation is calm and goods are coming from Juba and Sudan,” Musa said. “The economic situation is stable and there is no lack of goods. Everything is available in the market.”