Dry spells destroy South Sudan crops
Farmers in Eastern Equatoria report maize and sorghum withered by extreme heat and lack of rain.
Prolonged dry spells and extreme heat are destroying crops across several South Sudanese states, threatening harvests and increasing food insecurity. Farmers in Eastern Equatoria, Warrap, Lakes, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal are reporting crop failures as erratic rainfall patterns damage agricultural production. Communities dependent on rain-fed farming and pastoralism face growing worries about their next meal.
In Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, cooperative Ochano, head of the farmers’ association, stated that the intense sun had withered maize and sorghum crops. This situation is particularly concerning for households with limited resources to cope with repeated climate shocks. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) noted in September 2026 that widespread rainfall deficits persisted, with some areas receiving less than 60 per cent of normal rainfall.
El Niño, a natural climate pattern involving warming Pacific Ocean waters, is influencing global weather, including South Sudan's rainfall and temperatures. This phenomenon, combined with other climate-related shocks, adds pressure to communities already facing humanitarian and economic challenges. The below-average rainfall predicted by FEWS NET could further reduce crop production and worsen food insecurity across the nation.
Why it mattersFarmers in South Sudan are facing crop failures due to dry spells and extreme heat, directly impacting their food security and livelihoods.