Sudan’s suffering is well known, with war-torn Darfur repeatedly hitting the headlines. Another destructive effect of this conflict is now predicted. There is growing concern that a combination of the violence and large numbers of displaced people will have a significant impact on food supplies in southern Sudan.Despite recent harvests the Food Early Warning System (FEWS Net) is suggesting that southern Sudan is likely to suffer food shortages by April 2007. It is thought that as people move back into the south of the country the already limited food resources will be overly stretched. This is likely to be especially marked in heavily populated areas, such as the Northern Bahr El Gazal and Warrap states.

Current predictions are that around half a million people in the area will not have enough to eat, and that 72,000 tonnes of food aid will be required to prevent this shortfall. A further 36,000 tonnes will also be required if, as predicted, 500,000 people return to the region from northern Sudan.

Please pray that this situation can be prevented and that all the people of Sudan will have sufficient food. Pray too that a peaceful outcome can be found to the conflict.