The July 2024 report from the Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI) initiated by the South Sudan Cash Working Group (CWG), highlights concerning trends in South Sudanese markets, particularly for essential food and non-food items. Between June and July 2024, the prices of maize grain, groundnuts and sorghum increased by 20%,18% and 14%, respectively. This surge in prices has led to a 10% rise in the cost of the food basket, with the highest prices recorded in Ganylel, Kaya, and Rumbek. 

Several factors contribute to these increases, including the depreciation of the South Sudanese Pound (SSP), high taxation at the marketplace, poor road conditions, and restocking constraints. For example, Ganylel saw an 82% monthly increase in the value of the Multi-Sectoral Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket, making it one of the most expensive locations in South Sudan. 

Key Figures 

• Price Increases: Maize grain (+20%), Groundnuts (+18%), Sorghum (+14%) 

•  Multi-Sectoral Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket Rise: Ganylel (+82%), Kaya Refugee Camp (+51%), Rumbek (+50%) 

• Challenges include high taxation at marketplaces, poor road conditions, and high checkpoint costs. 

For detailed insights, access the full report here.