Call for Proposals: Food Security and Nutrition Support in South Sudan

The World Food Programme (WFP) South Sudan is scaling up food security and nutrition interventions in 2026 to prevent famine, protect vulnerable populations, and support early recovery. Using a layered approach of general food distribution, nutrition support, and shock-responsive recovery programs, WFP targets the most food-insecure populations, including IDPs and refugees, while integrating gender equality, protection-sensitive programming, and community engagement.

Overview

In response to ongoing humanitarian crises driven by conflict, climate shocks, economic instability, and displacement, WFP South Sudan is prioritizing famine prevention and early recovery interventions in 2026. Millions of people remain in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and are at risk of descending into IPC Phase 5 (Famine), particularly during the lean season when food access and availability are critically low.

Key Components of the Programme

General Food Distribution and Nutrition Support

• Deliver food assistance to populations facing acute food insecurity, guided by Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis and Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) data.

• Special focus on IDPs and refugees who are chronically dependent on humanitarian assistance.

• Ensure protection-sensitive programming and gender-responsive interventions across all activities.

Shock-Responsive Early Recovery (GFD+)

• Implement layered, area-based interventions that combine immediate food distribution with nutrition and early recovery support.

• Promote community engagement, mindset change, and social behaviour change to encourage self-reliance.

• Target at least 70% household engagement in general food distribution activities.

Lean Season Response (LSR)

• Interventions run from March/April to August to mitigate risks associated with agricultural scarcity.

• Maintain readiness for sudden-onset emergencies, including flooding, conflict-induced displacement, and spillover effects from the Sudan crisis.

Partnerships and Coordination

• Collaborate with UN agencies, NGOs, government actors, and community leaders.

• Ensure integrated programming that supports gender equality, women’s empowerment, and community resilience.

Conclusion

Through a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach, combining immediate food aid, nutrition support, and early recovery initiatives, WFP South Sudan aims to prevent famine, protect vulnerable populations, and foster long-term resilience, ensuring that communities not only survive acute crises but are supported toward recovery and self-reliance.