Food Security and Livelihoods Assessment Report

Location: Old Fangak County, Paguir Payam
Date of Assessment: 01 December 2025
Conducted By: World Women’s Team and Agriculture Mission South Sudan (W'TAMSS)

1. Introduction

This Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Assessment was conducted in Paguir Payam, Old Fangak County, on 1 December 2025 by the World Women’s Team and Agriculture Mission South Sudan (W'TAMSS). The purpose of the assessment was to understand the current food security situation, livelihood conditions, coping mechanisms, and humanitarian needs of communities affected by recurrent flooding, conflicts and limited market access, and ongoing socio-economic vulnerabilities.

2. Objectives of the Assessment

• To determine household food availability, access, and consumption patterns.

• To assess the status of livelihoods, including crop production, livestock, fishing, and income opportunities.

• To identify key shocks affecting community welfare and resilience.

• To generate evidence-based recommendations for WFP and partners.

3. Methodology

The assessment used the following approaches:

• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Local authorities, women group leaders, youth representatives, and traders.

• Household Interviews: 3500 households sampled across Paguir Payam.

• Direct Observation: Market conditions, crop fields, homestead food stocks, and flood-affected zones.

• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Three FGDs (women, men, youth).

4. Findings

4.1 Food Availability

• Most households rely heavily on humanitarian food assistance due to limited agricultural harvest.

• Seasonal flooding in 2024 and 2025 destroyed crop fields, reducing sorghum, maize, and vegetable production.

• Fishing remains a major food source, but catches have decreased due to overfishing and prolonged floods.

4.2 Food Access

• Old Fangak has no functioning road network; market access is restricted to canoe and boat transport.

• High food prices due to long supply chains limit household purchasing power.

• Labor opportunities are scarce; households depend on bartering and small-scale income activities.

4.3 Food Consumption

• Majority of assessed households are consuming two meals per day, mainly cereals and fish.

• Dietary diversity is low; very limited access to vegetables, fruits, and protein sources.

4.4 Livelihoods

• Crop farming is minimal due to persistent flooding and lack of tools and seeds.

• Livestock numbers have declined due to diseases and lack of pasture.

• Fishing is the primary livelihood, followed by small-scale firewood collection and handicrafts.

4.5 Coping Mechanisms

• High use of stress and crisis-level coping strategies such as reducing meal frequency, borrowing food, and selling household items.

• Some households have resorted to consuming wild foods.

5. Vulnerable Groups

• Female-headed households.

• Households with malnourished children.

• Elderly persons and persons with disabilities.

• IDP households displaced due to flooding.

6. Key Challenges

• Continued seasonal flooding affecting housing and agriculture.

• Long distances to markets and inadequate transport.

• Limited access to health, nutrition, and education services.

• Declining fishing yields.

7. Recommendations

• Scale up food assistance for vulnerable households.

• Support communities with flood-resilient agriculture (e.g., raised-bed gardening).

• Provide fishing gear, canoes, and post-harvest preservation tools.

• Introduce livelihood diversification activities such as poultry and vegetable production.

• Strengthen women-led livelihood groups with skills training and start-up kits.

• Support community-based disaster risk management.

8. Conclusion

Paguir Payam remains highly vulnerable to food insecurity due to recurrent flooding, limited livelihood options, and restricted market access. Immediate food assistance combined with long-term livelihood strengthening is essential for enhancing community resilience. W'TAMSS recommends a multi-sectoral intervention aligned with WFP and partner priorities.

Prepared by:
World Women’s Team and Agriculture Mission South Sudan (W'TAMSS) 
Date: 01 December 2025