Climate Variability and Change on Household Food Security and Adaptation Measures Amongst Smallholder Farmers in South Sudan

Abstract

Climate change has typically been a contentious topic in South Sudan with regard to whether it is the sole cause of food unavailability to many people or whether food insecurity is due to the Country’s internal communal conflicts. This study aimed to analyze how climate variability and change affect household food security and among smallholder farmers in South Sudan. Data used for analysis of this study was obtained from farming households surveys using a structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions. Data was collected from 200 randomly selected households. Interviews were also conducted among key purposively selected persons. Secondary data was gotten from public libraries and electronic reservoirs and Government institutions. Focus Group Discussions were conducted as part of the assessment using both open and close ended questions. Quantitative and qualitative data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics based on percentage / frequency of responses on the study matters. The Microsoft Excel spread sheet Version 365 was used to process the data as per the study objectives. On overall food production levels amidst climate variability and change, 60.5 % of the household presented a larger level of uncertainty about food security status meaning that only 39.5% were food secure in the area. 74.5 % (n=149) could not eat balanced meals, 69 % (n=138) households were anxious that they would run out of food supply, 61.5 % (n=123) ate limited variety of food. This indicates that tremendous household numbers were mildly food insecure. 72 % (n=144) had diminished size of meal and 70 % (n=140) reported that they had fewer meals than they would need. Small-scale producers are more susceptible to harsh weather conditions like floods and droughts. These occurrences have resulted in farm crop declines, livestock losses, and infrastructural damage, which limits food output and farmers' income and asset base leading to unstable food availability and access. This in turn has affected households’ ability to grow their own food or procure available food. In South Sudan, a study investigating how smallholder farmers adapt to changing weather patterns revealed a diverse range of resourceful strategies. The country experiences a single annual rainy season from April to November, with rainfall amounts varying between 700 and 1,300 millimeters. July typically sees the most rain, while June receives the least. October and December mark the transition towards drier seasons. It was asserted that the prevalences of droughts and floods in South Sudan are the main climate change manifestations adversely affecting smallholder farming households. The mentioned occurrences exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities in the study area. Majority of farming households (54%) in the study area adopted farming of drought tolerant crops. The non-adoption of use of agricultural greenhouses and low level of irrigation could be due to the high initial cost required to purchase, install and maintain irrigation systems and greenhouse structures. The area was seen to practice autonomous adaptation practices which were centered around climate risk management and productivity enhancement triggered by ecological and welfare changes. The study recommends the growth of cereals that are tolerant to water stress in areas in which lack of rainfall commonly affects populations in addition to boosting certain native crops that can withstand drought. It was also recommended that National leadership continues to perform a prominent task in providing early warnings in advance with regard to expected subsequent climate unpredictability.