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: Where Knowledge Meets the Farm in Kenya’s Dairy Heartland

Posted Apr 2nd, 2026

In this edition of #VETSVolunteerVoices, we shift perspective — from volunteer reflections to the voice of a local VETS program partner working directly with farmers on the ground. Meet Rebecca Ndembo, an Extension Officer with Wakulima Dairy in Kenya. For several years, Rebecca has worked alongside farmers and VETS volunteers to strengthen dairy practices, improve animal health, and support more resilient rural livelihoods.

The Results Are In: Meet the Animals & Ales 2026 Pet Photo Contest Winners

Posted Mar 20th, 2026

The Animals & Ales Pet Photo Contest has officially come to a close! Thanks to our amazing participants, voters, and supporters, we raised over $102,000 to provide critical veterinary care for animals in need. Meet the winners and runners-up.

Webinar Replay: Give to Gain - Women, Volunteerism & Mutual Growth

Posted Mar 11th, 2026

Watch a replay of our Women's Month 2026 webinar which explored how volunteer exchange strengthens animal health systems, supports women’s leadership, and creates mutual learning between volunteers and communities.

The FIT Project: South Sudan