3289: Sudd Wetland, Climate Change and Community Resilience

On Democracy in Action, host Sani Martin discussed the Sudd Wetland, climate change, flooding, conflict, and community-led solutions with Tong Deng Anei, Managing Director of the White Nile and Sudd Centre, and Isaac Laibwel Yol, Deputy Board of Trustees at the same centre. The guests explained that the Sudd Wetland is a vital natural resource supporting fishing, grazing, agriculture, and local livelihoods, but rising and receding water levels are increasing pressure on land and grazing areas, sometimes leading to conflict and displacement. They said flooding has badly affected areas including Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity, Warrap, Lakes, and the three administrative areas, damaging homes, crops, roads, livestock areas, and access to services. The discussion also highlighted the need for early warning information, stronger coordination between national and local authorities, evidence-based research, peaceful migration arrangements for cattle keepers, and better use of floodwater for agriculture, clean water, and long-term community resilience.