Two young girls in dresses holding large plastic water containers on their heads

Food Insecurity in South Sudan

South Sudan is facing a state of emergency around food security and livelihoods. In South Sudan, there has been a significant depletion of available natural food resources due to both flooding and severe dry hot periods.

Families rarely slaughter domestic livestock and typically Instead rely on bushmeat and wild animals as a source of protein. However, these have been on the decline over the last few years.

As a result of the decline in traditional food sources, people in EEQ and Jonglei state have begun harvesting edible insects. However, harvesters lack insect rearing knowledge and skills and have yet to adopt practices of semi-domestication and indoor insect farming.

Currently, insect harvesting transpires at night and is predominantly undertaken by women and youth, representing a significant risk of gender-based violence.

Veterinarians Without Borders North America couldn't do the work we do without your support. Whether it's a financial donation or a donation of your time, by improving the health of animals you will be working to improve the health and quality of life for people throughout the world.

VOLUNTEER WITH US DONATE TODAY

Insect Harvesting for Nutrition

FIT is a research program which seeks to mitigate the effects of malnutrition and gender-related challenges in South Sudan through the production and marketing of edible insects.

In addition, the project focuses on capacity building for target groups in appropriate insect rearing production techniques, insect farming and consumption, dietary benefits, insect food preparation, processing for value addition and business and entrepreneurship skill.

The Project is working with 200 beneficiaries (80% women and girls and 20% men and boys) to improve their skills in insect farming, marketing and preparation as food to improve nutrition and is implemented in Eastern Equatoria State and Jonglei State.

VWB/VSF Canada has implemented successful insect farming in Kenya, Uganda, and in Southeast Asia.

Close up of a cricket.

Stories From Around The World

VETS Volunteer Voices: Growing Stronger Together in Cambodia

Posted Jul 9th, 2026

In this edition of #VETSVolunteerVoices, we shift perspective — from volunteer reflections to the voice of a local VETS program partner helping shape sustainable agriculture from within. Meet Sophoan Min, Country Representative of AVSF Cambodia, who has spent more than 25 years working alongside farming communities and VETS volunteers to strengthen farmer organizations, promote sustainable agriculture, and build more resilient rural livelihoods.

Where Care Begins: How Helen Klengenberg Is Helping Strengthen Animal Health in Nunavut

Posted Jul 9th, 2026

From coordinating veterinary clinics to supporting future Community Animal Health Workers, Helen Klengenberg's story highlights the importance of local leadership in strengthening animal health across Nunavut. As communities continue to build local capacity, we explore how VWB is working alongside northern partners to improve access to care.

Different Approaches, One Goal: Bringing Veterinary Care Closer

Posted Jul 8th, 2026

Access to veterinary care looks different in every community. This blog explores how mobile clinics, local veterinary partners, and Community Animal Health Workers help bring care closer to animals and families in Northern Canada, Ukraine, Senegal, and beyond.

The FIT Project: South Sudan