South Sudan Launches First Drought Response Before Crisis Hits, Protecting 65,000 People | Dawan Africa

South Sudan, 11 July 2026 – South Sudan has activated its first-ever drought anticipatory action plan, marking a shift from responding to humanitarian crises after they occur to acting before disaster strikes.

The initiative, launched jointly by the Government of South Sudan and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), aims to protect more than 65,000 people in Eastern Equatoria State as forecasts point to worsening drought conditions.

Instead of waiting for crops to fail and families to lose their livelihoods, the programme is delivering cash assistance and early warning information to help communities prepare for the expected dry spell.

“Anticipatory action is transforming the way we manage climate-related shocks,” said WFP Country Director in South Sudan, Mutinta Chimuka.

“Rather than wait for drought to deepen humanitarian needs, we are acting based on forecasts and evidence to support communities before livelihoods are disrupted.”

The programme targets communities in Budi and Kapoeta North counties, where families depend heavily on seasonal rainfall for farming and livestock keeping. Prolonged droughts in the region often result in crop failure, livestock deaths, falling household incomes and worsening food insecurity.

Under the plan, 52,751 people are receiving cash transfers to help them buy food and protect their livelihoods before conditions deteriorate. The assistance is also intended to reduce the need for desperate coping strategies such as selling productive assets or skipping meals.

In addition, more than 65,000 people are receiving early warning messages and practical guidance on drought preparedness, water conservation, livestock management and livelihood planning.