UN warns 'storm of hunger' is approaching South Sudan

[News_Editor]

UN warns 'storm of hunger' is approaching South Sudan

2011-12-16 05:26:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) on Thursday warned that some 2.7 million people in South Sudan will require food assistance.

Crops damaged by erratic rains combined with conflict and insecurity have aggravated the situation in the world's newest country. In addition, border closures between Sudan and South Sudan are disrupting food trade, leading to frequent shortages and high food prices.

"A gathering storm of hunger is approaching South Sudan, caused by crop failure and market disruption," said Chris Nikoi, WFP Director in South Sudan. "Food prices have already doubled or tripled in some areas, leaving hundreds of thousands of children vulnerable to malnutrition at a key developmental stage of their young lives."

South Sudan became independent from Sudan in July, but outbreaks of ethnic violence are still common. The presence of many armed groups and militias across the country, as well as an increase in refugees, add further complications.

WFP said it urgently needs about $92 million to address hunger needs in South Sudan in the first four months of 2012. It stressed that the aid needs to be delivered before March, since up to 60 percent of the country is cut off once the rainy season starts.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-12-16

[maidu]

Wretched. Waaaaaay too many people for the carrying capacity of region with nearly no resources to support large hominids. For years it was drought. Now we're hearing too much 'erratic rain.' Tons of outside money will be needed forever in that region. Let's hope some will be spent on birth control.

[Credo]

They need to start developing their vast natural resources. That will either result in money for food or money for war.

[maidu]

They need to start developing their vast natural resources. That will either result in money for food or money for war.

Not sure what you mean by 'vast natural resources.' Lots of sand, fersure. They could harvest their large amounts of sunlight, perhaps by PV panels, then ship the electricity elsewhere. But it wouldn't work for several reasons, not least because some outlaws would sabotage or steal the works. There are very few things that can grow in a region that often suffers 2 to 3 year hardcore droughts. The few things that come to my mind to grow (thornless opuntia for animal fodder, jojoba for oil, agave for tequila and methane, aloe for juice, and other succulents). However, they wouldn't be considered because Sudanese are stuck in age old traditions of raising goats and cattle (what a waste of resources), and trying to grow crops which yield very little in the best of years. The region has a carrying capacity of perhaps 5 people per sq.Km. in the best of times. I don't think S.Sudan even has any rivers to speak of. At least that might supply a few fish and perhaps hydro for power.

Its neighbor, Ethiopia, at least has the headwaters of the Nile - though they're disallowed from all but a tiny bit of its water, because of treaties penned by Brit colonials long time ago - which alloted nearly all the flow to Egypt. Will be interesting if/when the Ethiopians choose to dam the Nile (they've got incredible terrain for doing so, with high walled valleys). In any case, it's very doubtful as it would likely start a war with Egypt.

Edited December 16, 2011 by maidu

[Credo]

My understanding is that they have significant reserves of oil as well as a fair amount of mineral wealth.