By Yang Ater Yang
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) has called on the Lakes State Government and humanitarian partners to urgently assess crop production following reports of crops drying up in several parts of the state.
CEPO expressed concern over a looming dry spell affecting farmers at a critical stage of the agricultural season, warning that prolonged lack of rainfall could worsen food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households.
Daniel Laat Kon, CEPO State Coordinator, said reports from farmers in Greater Rumbek, Greater Yirol, Wulu, and Cueibet counties indicate that maize, sorghum, and groundnuts planted this season are wilting due to insufficient rainfall.
He said the affected crops are an important source of food for many households and that continued crop failure could push more families into crisis in the coming months.
“Many households depend on these crops as their main food source for the coming months. This situation threatens to worsen food insecurity, increase malnutrition, and push more families into crisis,” Laat said.
CEPO is calling for an urgent crop and food security assessment by the State Ministry of Agriculture and humanitarian partners to determine the extent of the damage across the affected counties.
The organisation also urged humanitarian agencies and the government to pre-position food assistance and seeds for quick replanting where possible, with priority given to women-headed households and returnees.
Laat further called for support to communities through additional water points for people and livestock, as well as alternative livelihood assistance such as vegetable-growing kits and cash support.
CEPO also urged authorities and partners to strengthen early-warning and preparedness measures by activating community early-warning systems and promoting civic education on climate-smart agriculture and food preservation.
The organisation called on the Lakes State Government, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society organisations to coordinate a joint response plan to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure assistance reaches the most affected communities first.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Lakes State. When gardens fail, peace and stability are also at risk as competition over scarce resources increases,” Laat said.
CEPO said it remains committed to monitoring the situation, amplifying the concerns of affected communities and working with partners to support farmers and protect livelihoods.
“Let us act now before hunger becomes a crisis. Our people need urgent support to protect lives and livelihoods,” he said.