Adapting for Peace and Livelihoods
Snapshot: Population ~11.9 million | GDP per capita ~US$1,080 | Fragility context: Fragile and conflict-affected | Region: East Africa
Integrated Context
South Sudan combines severe climate exposure with chronic institutional fragility and repeated conflict. Large-scale flooding across the Nile basin and Sudd wetlands has displaced communities, damaged cropland, and disrupted local markets, schools, and transport routes. In other areas, drought affects rain-fed farming and pastoral livelihoods, increasing food and water stress. Most households depend on agriculture, fisheries, and livestock systems that are highly sensitive to seasonal variability and environmental disruption. Weak infrastructure, shallow markets, and limited administrative capacity magnify the effects of climate shocks and reduce recovery options. Climate pressures can also intensify competition over grazing land, fisheries, and water access. Resilience planning must therefore integrate flood management, food-systems recovery, local
peacebuilding, and climate information services.
Key Climate and Environmental Challenges
• Recurrent flood damage and displacement
• Drought affecting rain-fed farming
• Competition over land and water
• Limited climate-risk infrastructure
GCCED Engagement Priorities
• Flood management and recovery planning
• Climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries
• Natural-resource peacebuilding approaches
• Climate information and preparedness
Strategic Note
South Sudan needs climate action that supports peacebuilding, protects livelihoods, and
strengthens local systems for managing flood, drought, and resource pressures.
SDG Alignment: 2 • 6 • 13 • 15 • 16
Key Challenges:
- Seasonal floods and droughts
- Resource-based conflicts
- Poor land-use management
GCCED Priorities:
- Climate–peacebuilding integration
- Flood management and recovery
- Resilient agriculture initiatives