By Jino Wilson
Authorities in Budi County, Eastern Equatoria State, are appealing an assessment to verify reports of impending hunger.
Budi County faces looming food shortage as a result of poor harvest caused by a prolonged dry spell, last year.
In an emergency meeting with partners, Executive Director, Alfred Odong emphasized the need for collaboration.
He said that the government and partners should conduct a swift assessment, next week to ascertain the intensity of the situation.
“Our County is facing hunger threats following poor harvest, this is why we are calling for this emergency meeting with all the partners. As partners on the ground, we need to be ready to contribute resources to conduct this assessment instead of relying on the previous report. Partners dealing with Agriculture, Education, and Child protection should be ready to join us in conducting this rapid assessment,” he said.
The rapid assessment will primarily focus on low-lying areas, particularly Lotukei Payam, Kimotong Payam, Ngauro Payam, and parts of Homiri Payam, targeting approximately 36 households.
Mr. Odong urged the partners conducting the assessment to gather accurate information that will aid in assisting the Budi County community.
“Let us prepare to gather accurate reports that will be shared to the World Food Programme. When this assessment is done jointly, it will be a concrete information. All partners should be part and parcel of this assessment,” he emphasized.
According to Mr. Odong, the assessment report will be sent to different cluster units, covering areas such as nutrition, education, health, child protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
Raphael Lokiru, the payam administrator of Homiri, reiterated the importance of a collaborative assessment, stating, “We need to properly map out the needs and required resources. I request each partner to contribute resources, including mobility.”
The meeting was attended by various organizations, including RASS (Resilience through Agriculture in South Sudan), Community Development Support Services (CDSS), CODAID, Root of Generations, and Women Advancement Organization (WAO).