South Sudan is a fragile country. South Sudan is one of the most food insecure countries in the world. Conflict and long standing economic and social changes are disrupting agricultural production, markets, and community livelihoods, which are consequently increasing food insecurity and poverty rates in South Sudan. Though the current macro-economic crisis threatens to worsen food security even further, it also presents an opportunity to tap into South Sudan’s vast agricultural potential. Conflict sensitive efforts to improve agro-logistics in South Sudan are key to increasing the availability of agricultural commodities in markets, which could contribute to better food security. The evidence base on approaches to conflict sensitivity in weak and fragile state situations like South Sudan highlights how agricultural commodity markets are complex sites of authority and control.
The recommendations in this document are based on a review of the available literature and food price and market linkage data. Part one provides a background on South Sudan’s agriculture, trade and trade barriers. Part two uses weekly market prices to determine market integration preceded by reviewing food prices and the differentials in food prices for different markets and agricultural commodities. Results from the market linkages survey are presented in Part three. Recommendations are discussed in Part four.