Oye! News from Africa

Food Prices To Remain High At The Border Areas: Aid Agencies

Category: Africa Published on Saturday, 02 February 2013 09:05 Written by Waakhe Simon Wudu

An analysis for November and December showed that food prices were still higher than 2011 and the 5-year average. [Gurtong | File]“According to food security partners, food commodity prices, especially white sorghum and wheat flour, remained higher than the 5 year average and those of 2011 in border areas such as Aweil and Bentiu up to December, despite it being immediately after the harvest,” said a statement released by the office of the United Nations of Humanitarian Affairs.

It says often, increased food availability after harvests tends to lower food prices.

However, an analysis for November and December showed that food prices were still higher than 2011 and the 5-year average.

“Among the reasons for this includes prolonged limited commodity flows from Sudan following border closure and the continued tightening of economic conditions,” added the statement.

“The implication is that as the dry season progresses and household’s food stocks decline, they will have to rely more on markets. The high market prices may therefore impact on their ability to afford adequate amount of food,” it says.

The current situation is ahead of anticipated arrivals of more Sudanese refugees into the country as a result of continues civil fight between Sudanese government forces and rebels in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States.

Agencies have anticipated the number of refugees in South Sudan to hit to 350,000 by the end of this year if the war in Sudan and other neighbouring countries like Democratic Republic of Congo do not stop.  

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