South Sudan is fertile and has a number of water sources, yet water distribution is unequal and existing infrastructure is under strain.

Nearly 80% of people are subsistence farmers so effective water management is vital, particularly if the agriculture sector is to expand as planned.

UNESCO has considerable technical expertise in hydrology and water resource management and will be working to strengthen integrated water resource management in line with South Sudan’s national water policy and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) strategic framework.

We are about to start assisting the government to prepare a national integrated water management action plan using a participatory approach. The aim of the plan is to look at ways to improve knowledge and capacity in water resource mapping, assessment and monitoring; strengthen the water information system; and promote conflict prevention and sustainable management of water resources.