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CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN AKOBO COUNTY.

Climate Change Affecting Agricultural Production in Akobo County, Jonglei State

Climate change continues to take a heavy toll on farmers in Akobo County, Jonglei State, as unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged floods, and dry spells devastate farmlands and reduce crop yields.

For years, farmers in Akobo have depended on seasonal rains to grow crops such as sorghum, maize, and groundnuts. But in recent seasons, these rains have become increasingly erratic. Heavy flooding during the rainy season has submerged farmlands, washed away seeds, and destroyed harvests, leaving many households without food.

In some years, the situation swings to the other extreme with delayed rains and drought conditions that dry up crops before maturity. These unpredictable changes, attributed to climate change, have left farmers struggling to adapt.

The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission chairperson in Akobo East County Nhial Lew Nyuot reports that hundreds of households have lost their crops this year due to flooding and waterlogging. The situation has worsened food insecurity and forced many families to depend on humanitarian assistance.

“in akobo, the communities are still food insurance, they tried their best to cultivate but due to climate change parts of the county did not harvest anything that led to food scarcity in the county,” said Nhial Lew

The RRC chairperson is calling on the government grant access paths to allow them reach the suffering citizens he however also urged the Humanitarian agencies to increase investment in flood control, early warning systems, and climate-resilient agriculture to protect livelihoods in Akobo County.

“the government needs to give them free pass because we need them to reach the suffering citizens, our citizens mostly depend on this agency because we don’t have the capacity to provide for them at this moment, I also want to urge the Humanitarian agencies to increase on their support to Akobo East County,” Nhial Lew Nyuot added.

According to aid agencies operating in the area, the recurrent climate shocks are not only affecting crops but also livestock, as pastures and grazing lands are destroyed by floods.

Organizations like Save the Children and other partners are supporting farmers with climate-resilient seeds, training on improved farming techniques, and small-scale irrigation initiatives to help communities adapt to the changing weather.

As global temperatures continue to rise, farmers in Akobo say their future depends on urgent climate action and sustainable agricultural support to restore hope and food security in their communities.