The African Development Bank (AfDB) gave South Sudan subsidies to the tune of $7.12 million on Monday in order to assist the nation in enhancing its food security.
The first project, which addresses food and nutrition security resiliency, is worth $5.84 million, while the second grant, costing $1.28 million, will assist in training and offer seed capital to enable refugees and host communities to develop their entrepreneurial ability.
According to Dier Tong Ngor, South Sudan's minister of finance and planning, the funds provided under the Africa Disaster Risk Financing Program would also assist refugees and host communities in the country's northern state of Upper Nile in starting small companies.
It will allow South Sudan to try out a farmer insurance program, according to Meshack Malo, the organization's national representative there.
Over 310,000 refugees presently reside in South Sudan, with more than 90,000 having fled neighboring war-torn Sudan subsequently pouring into the country since April 15, reports say.
According to Themba Bhebhe, the AfDB's coordinator in South Sudan, the projects would help the government of South Sudan to reach its objective in fostering national growth.
"These investments will result in enhanced production of climate services for agriculture, livestock, climate insurance and early warning, and enhanced sustainable protection against climate shocks in South Sudan," the manager stated.
According to the World Food Programme, large portions of South Sudan have been hit by flooding, while other areas are weathering a severe drought, all due to climate change. As a result, over 7.7 million people, or two-thirds of the population, are suffering from severe hunger.