ABSTRACT
Despite significant efforts to address food security and nutrition issues globally, food shortages, climate shocks, a deepening economic crisis, insecurity and insufficient agricultural production at household level have kept levels of hunger and acute malnutrition alarmingly high. As the majority of South Sudanese have agriculture-based livelihoods which cannot be maintained once displaced, these communities become extremely vulnerable. This study therefore sought to establish the factors influencing delivery of humanitarian assistance programme: the case of Food and Agriculture Organization in South Sudan Bor County Jonglei State. The research was conducted in Bor County which is one among eleven counties of former Jonglei state in Republic of South Sudan. The study specifically focused on the extent to which conflict management, level of education, flood management, long period of famine and road infrastructure influence delivery of humanitarian assistance programme. This study used descriptive survey research design. The target population for this study was 370 comprising of the Food and Agriculture Organization programme staff and beneficiaries comprising of programme managers, programme committee members, field officers and community leaders. The sample size for this study is 296 determined using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table of sampling. Stratified sampling methods were used for the selection of the study respondents. Self-administered questionnaires were employed to get primary data. The questionnaire was administered using a drop and pick later method to the sampled respondents. Before processing the responses, data preparation was done on the completed questionnaires by editing, coding, entering and cleaning the data. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Data analysis was done with help of software programme SPSS version 25.0. Content analysis was used in processing of qualitative data from open ended questions and results presented in prose form. The results were presented using tables. The study found that conflict management (composite mean =3.539, sub-composite standard deviation=0.726), level of education (composite mean=3.587, composite standard deviation =0.749), and flood management (composite mean =3.741, composite standard deviation = 0.750) influenced food and agriculture organization in delivery humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan to a great extent.The study also found that long period of famine (composite mean=3.375, composite standard deviations =0.739); and road infrastructure (composite mean =3.452, composite standard deviation = 0.714) influenced delivery of humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan to a moderate extent.The research also found that the delivery of humanitarian assistance programme by food and agriculture organization had been constant for the last five years (composite mean =3.361, composite standard deviation of 0.737). The study concluded that conflict management had the greatest influence on Delivery of humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan followed by level of education, then road infrastructure, then long period of famine while flood management had the least influence on the Delivery of humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan. The study recommends that academic qualification should be the key determinant of the job designation, responsibilities and tasks given since the more one is academically qualified, the more responsibilities and complex the tasks assigned. The communities should adopt some form of coping mechanism to reduce the effects of the flooding in their area. The government should formulate a good road infrastructure policy that will enhance the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
This study focuses on the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, the world’s newest state. In July 2011, the people of South Sudan voted for independence from Sudan in a largely peaceful referendum. Although much has been accomplished, the humanitarian situation remains extremely fragile. Conflict and violence affects hundreds of thousands of people, and up to five million will need food and livelihoods support this year (Keßler and Hendrix, 2015).
The key factors affecting food security in South Sudan, highlighting the need for programmes that simultaneously address short-term needs and build resilience. The humanitarian community in South Sudan needs to address growing constraints to humanitarian access in a more proactive, principled and transparent manner. Years of conflict have affected the livelihoods of communities in South Sudan, and the humanitarian implications of conflict and insecurity for pastoralists and cross-border livelihoods in general (Hope, McCloskey, Hunt, Crowley and NicBhloscaidh, 2018).
McCallum and Okech (2013) examine the drivers of conflict in Jonglei and called for the inclusion of peace-building and conflict resolution in agency responses. Healy and Tiller (2013) review the slow and inadequate humanitarian response to the refugee emergency in Maban County. In contrast, Tomaszewski, Al-Najdawi, Martin, Tedmori, Omondi and Hamad (2017) explain how the REACH initiative, which uses GIS as a planning and coordination tool in refugee camps in South Sudan, has improved response time. Drawing on lessons learned from transition and recovery programmes in South Sudan, Conway (2013) emphasizes the need to better understand and manage the trade-offs between multiple priorities including peace- and state-building. Pickwick (2012) explores the impact of Tearfund’s water, sanitation and hygiene work on peace and state-building in two projects in South Sudan, while Clay and Stokke (2013) looked at the comparative advantages of cash and food for work interventions. Morrow, Mock, Papendieck and Kocmich (2011) highlighted the importance of credible and independent NGO coordination in complex operating environments like South Sudan (Clark, Keßler and Purohit, 2015).
South Sudan is prone to recurrent natural disaster, particularly flooding as a result of cyclic heavy rainfall Congressional Research Service (CRS). Years of armed conflict have made local communities increasingly vulnerable and events have a severe impact, aggravating food insecurity, health risks and epidemics (for example, Cholera) as well as disrupting local economy and logistics, difficulty humanitarian assistance (Warner and Obrecht, 2015).
Despite significant efforts to address food security and nutrition issues globally, food shortages, climate shocks, a deepening economic crisis, insecurity and insufficient agricultural production at household level have kept levels of hunger and acute malnutrition alarmingly high. The most destructive of all the factors affecting food stability in the country, conflict is disrupting livelihoods and increasing displacement: an estimated 4.4 million people have fled their homes since the outbreak of violence in 2013, including 1.9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). Many in the former states of Unity, Lakes, Jonglei, Upper Nile and Western Bahr el Ghazal have been trapped in renewed and widespread conflict over the past months and were at times cut off from humanitarian assistance (Belliveau, 2016). Although South Sudan 6signed a peace deal in September 2018 to end the five-year conflict. it remain unclear whether the political process will contribute to improving the humanitarian situation in the coming months. Flooding, prolonged dry spells and pest infestations have also hampered crop production, with only 60 percent of the 2018 national cereal needs met by the harvest. Cereal production has steadily declined since start of the conflict in late 2013, and in 2017 was estimated 765000 tones approximately 25 percent below pre-conflict levels. Further complicating an already dire situation this time, an earlier than anticipated start to the lean season, potentially poor harvests in counties, and possible returns from within and outside the country, could put added pressure on already scarce natural resources (Keßler and Hendrix, 2015).
According to Food and Agriculture Organization for United Nations assessment report, the ongoing conflict has heightened risks of livestock disease outbreaks, including the potential spread of Rift Valley Fever, as the cold chain system for vaccine storage has broken down. Non- traditional livestock herding patterns have also led to the intermingling of vaccinated and unvaccinated herds, while exacerbating tensions between pastoral and farming communities. FAO is distributing vaccines and veterinary supplies to enable rapid preventative vaccination
campaigns, while equipping and retraining community-based animal health care workers to provide basic, on-the-move healthcare to migrating herds (Abbott, 2019).
Statement of the Problem
The number of undernourished people in the world remains unacceptably high at near the one billion mark despite an expected decline in 2010 for the first time since 1995. This decline is largely attributable to increased economic growth foreseen in 2010 – particularly in developing countries – and the fall in international food prices since 2008. The recent increase in food prices, if it persists, will create additional obstacles in the fight to further reduce hunger. Persistent conflict, disruption of livelihoods, poor economic conditions and challenges faced in the delivery of humanitarian assistance have pushed nearly 60 percent of the population into severe acute food insecurity during the peak of the lean season (June-July), when food shortages are typically at their worst levels (Keßler & Hendrix, 2015).
The South Sudan crisis is a complex and protracted humanitarian crisis resulting from years of armed conflict, recurring natural disasters and severe economic crisis. Civilians bear the brunt of the conflict and have been systematically targeted by the warring parties. People have lost their homes and livelihoods, and basic infrastructure has been badly damaged. Of the country’s estimated population of between 11–12.3 million people, 7.1 million are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. At least 5.3 million people face acute or severe food insecurity during 2019, even taking into consideration present levels of humanitarian assistance by the FAO. Almost 4.5 million people have fled their homes and tens of thousands more are at risk of being displaced. More than 2 million south Sudanese have taken refuge in neighboring countries, with little hope of returning to their homes in the near future. A peace-agreement was reached in august 2018. Nonetheless, fighting continues in many parts of the country and the severe humanitarian crisis continues to threaten millions of lives (Peprah et al., 2016). As the majority of South Sudanese have agriculture-based livelihoods which cannot be maintained once displaced, these communities become extremely vulnerable. Failure to keep agricultural production at the same levels is not only driven by conflict-related displacements but also general disruptions to livelihoods and markets, lack of access to social services and restricted trade due to roads made inaccessible by insecurity and the current rainy season. Immediate action by the food and agriculture organization to maintain and save livelihoods will have lasting
impact but poor delivery of humanitarian assistance programme services affects access to farming, fishing and livestock-safeguarding inputs and services hence jeopardizes the potential to significantly improve food security (Brock, 2016).
Studies such as Sammy (2016) who studied the Influence of implementation of conflict management strategies on employees performance: a case of Kenya power company, Nairobi county; Musah and Akai (2014) who studied Effects of Flood Disasters on Livelihoods Coping Mechanism in Tolon/Kumbumgu District of Northern Region of Ghana; Irungu (2015) conducted a study on Influence of community driven-development approach on achievement of sustainable community livelihoods: a case of western Kenya community driven-development and flood mitigation project (WKCDD/FMP) In Busia County, Kenya; and Faith (2014) focused on the Perceived relationship between employee academic qualifications and job performance in Mukuru slums development projects, Nairobi county are related to the current studies. However, none of them sought to evaluate the factors influencing delivery of humanitarian assistance programme: the case of Food and Agriculture Organization in South Sudan Bor County Jonglei State. This study therefore sought to fill the gap.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing delivery of humanitarian assistance programme: the case of Food and Agriculture Organization in South Sudan Bor County Jonglei State.
Objectives of the Study
The study aimed to achieve the following objectives:
- To establish the extent to which conflict management influence delivery of humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan.
- To determine how level of education influence delivery of humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan.
- To assess how flood management influence delivery humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan.
- To establish the extent to which long period of famine influence delivery of humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan.
- To assess how road infrastructure influence delivery humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan.
Research Questions
The study sought to answer the following research questions:
- To what extent does conflict management influence delivery of humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan?
- How does level of education influence delivery of humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan?
- How does flood management influence delivery of humanitarian assistance programme in South Sudan?
- To what extent does long period of famine influence delivery humanitarian assistance programs in South Sudan?
- How does road infrastructure influence delivery humanitarian assistance in South Sudan?
Significance of the Study
The findings from this study might provide insight into the delivery of humanitarian assistance programme for FAO project not only of Bor county but elsewhere in the country particularly Jonglei state. The research study might help to ascertain most of the perceived challenges that the delivery of humanitarian assistance programme had faced and still be facing and how to overcome them. The findings are of great importance to the body of knowledge and to other developing countries starting to introduce and integrate similar programme into their activities.
The study findings might help the Government formulate policies that might strengthen the role of FAO in the country as auxiliary partners in alleviating human suffering, improvement of lives and achievement of national development goals.
The findings of the study might provide guide to the relevant authorities for instant, ministry of gender, social welfare and humanitarian affairs staff towards the gaps and to areas that need improvement. The other beneficiaries of the research study findings were: NGOs whether
national or international experiencing with the same similar challenges and targeted beneficiaries from this county found resilient mechanism for sustainability.
Future researchers might use the outcomes of this study to enable concentrate their attention on the inadequacies of the study and analyse and identify any gaps. The findings might also contribute to the vast pool of knowledge and might help academicians do future research on the study and related areas.
Delimitation of the Study
The study investigated the factors influencing delivery of humanitarian assistance programme: the case of Food and Agriculture Organization in South Sudan Bor County Jonglei State. As mentioned in the subject title of this research study was conducted in Bor County which is one among eleven counties of former Jonglei state in Republic of South Sudan. The study specifically focused on the extent to which conflict management, level of education, flood management, long period of famine and road infrastructure influence delivery of humanitarian assistance programme. The research study was further delimited by the number of county chosen. The target population for this study was the Food and Agriculture Organization programme staff and beneficiaries comprising of programme managers, programme committee members, field officers and community leaders. The study took three months.
Limitation of the Study
The major limitation was language barrier due to the literacy levels of some of the community leaders; however this was handled through the use of research assistants from the locality who helped in the interpretation of the interview guides to an easily understood language.
The information required for this study was considered to be of a sensitive and confidential nature to the project stakeholders and some stakeholders withheld some critical information. In this respect, this limitation was mitigated by assuring each stakeholder of their anonymity and confidentiality of the information given and the fact that it was used for academic purposes only.
The findings of this study was limited to the extent to which the respondents were willing to provide accurate and reliable information. The researcher checked for consistency and tested the reliability of the data they collected.
Assumption of the Study
Assumption refers to a proposition of some occurrences that may be considered in eliminating the area of the study. The study assumed that the sample size taken was a representative of the target population adequately. Further, it was assumed that the survey instruments (questionnaires) were valid and reliable to measure the research study’s desired constructs. Also, that the respondents answered the questions honestly, correctly and truthfully and understands the topic under study.
Definition of Significance Terms Used In the Study
Conflict Management: is the act of maintaining and controlling the occurrence of serious disagreement or argument which is prolonged and sometimes involved armed struggles between two neighboring communities.
Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance: material or logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to humanitarian relief efforts including natural disasters and man-made disaster.
Famine: is a widespread scarcity of food caused by several factors including crop failure, population unbalance, or government policies. This phenomenon is usually accompanied or followed by regional malnutrition, starvation, epidemic, and increased mortality.
Flood Management: In this study, flood management was used to refer to the interventions and activities that are implemented with the aim of reducing the human and socio-economic losses caused by recurrent flooding.
Food And Agriculture Organization: a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
Level of Education: years of formal instruction received and successfully completed, usually based on passing formal exams.
Organization of the Study
The research study was organized into five chapters. Chapter one introduces the background and rationale of the study and highlighting the statement of the problem; the research study objectives; research study questions; significance of the study; delimitation of the study; limitation of the study; assumptions; and definition of the significance terms used in the study. In chapter two, in-depth search and reviews of the existing literature that supports the study is done. It consists of literature on delivery of humanitarian assistance programme, conflict management and delivery of humanitarian assistance program, level of education and delivery of humanitarian assistance program, floods management and delivery of humanitarian assistance program, long period of famine and delivery of humanitarian assistance program, road infrastructure and delivery of humanitarian assistance program, theoretical framework, conceptual framework, summary of literature reviewed and knowledge gaps. Chapter three outlines the methodology the research study used to collect the relevant data; target population and sample size and sampling procedure derived; pilot testing, reliability and validity of the research instruments; data collection procedure; ethical issues and operationalization of variables. Chapter four comprises of data analysis, presentation, interpretation and discussion. Finally, chapter five contains the summary of findings, conclusions, recommendations and areas for further studies.
