The Issue
Nasir County is facing a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis driven by acute food insecurity, ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and escalating health and protection concerns. According to the November 2024 IPC report, 65.5% of the population is projected to experience Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food insecurity during the April–July 2025 lean season. Armed clashes between government forces and the White Army in March 2025 have triggered large-scale displacement, with over 16,000 people displaced across Nasir and neighbouring areas. Many are sheltering in insecure locations with limited access to food, clean water, or medical care.
The conflict has also intensified pressure on scarce resources, increasing the risk of local violence. An ongoing cholera outbreak, poor sanitation, and lack of healthcare further compound the crisis. Women and girls are especially vulnerable, facing heightened risks of gender-based violence and exploitation. Meanwhile, the influx of returnees from Sudan is adding strain to already overstretched communities.
Urgent, coordinated humanitarian action is critical to prevent further deterioration. Priority needs include food aid, health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services, protection support, and conflict mitigation to stabilize the situation and avert a broader regional impact.
The Project
To address the compounding crises in Nasir County, marked by severe food insecurity, displacement, and rising protection risks, this project will implement two targeted interventions: Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness raising with strengthened referral pathways. Together, these interventions aim to meet urgent needs while enhancing community resilience and protection systems.
More than 300 of the most vulnerable households, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host community members, will receive unrestricted cash transfers equivalent to USD 150. This will enable them to access food, shelter, healthcare, and other basic needs with dignity and flexibility.
A rapid market assessment will guide implementation, and a local financial service provider will ensure safe and timely cash delivery, even amid insecurity.
Simultaneously, the project will address GBV through community-based awareness sessions, targeting 200 individuals, and the formation of a women-led protection group. These efforts aim to increase knowledge of GBV risks, strengthen local referral pathways, and build survivor support capacity at the grassroots level. GBV awareness will also be integrated into all community interactions, including cash distributions.
A protection risk analysis will ensure cash assistance does not inadvertently expose vulnerable groups, especially women, to additional harm.
The Change
The project is expected to bring immediate relief and strengthen community resilience in Nasir County amid escalating humanitarian needs. Through MPCA, 337 vulnerable households will experience improved food security and reduced reliance on negative coping strategies, such as asset depletion or exploitative labour. Increased purchasing power will enable families to meet essential needs with dignity, while supporting local markets.
Simultaneously, the GBV intervention will raise awareness among at least 200 community members and enhance protection services through the establishment and training of a women-led protection group. Strengthened referral pathways will improve survivors’ access to timely and confidential support.
By integrating protection considerations across all activities, the project will contribute to a safer environment for women and girls and foster social cohesion among IDPs, returnees, and host communities. Overall, the intervention will reduce vulnerability, promote recovery, and lay the groundwork for longer-term resilience in an increasingly volatile context.
The Partner
Nile Hope is a multi-sectoral non-governmental organization established in 2004. It is currently implementing a variety of projects across 5 of the 10 states in South Sudan, boasting over 15 years of experience in emergency response, recovery, resilience, and development initiatives. As a well-established humanitarian entity, Nile Hope focuses on various thematic areas, including Food Security and Livelihoods, Cash and Market Programs, Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation, Nutrition, Protection and Gender-Based Violence, Education, as well as Peacebuilding and Conflict Mitigation.
About the project
Full Title: Saving lives and enhancing access to basic needs with a specific focus on IDPs and returnees through multi-purpose cash programming and GBV prevention in Nasir County of Upper Nile State.
Timeline: April 2025 to September 2025
Partner: Nile Hope
Amount: 647,663 DKK
DCA Theme: Saving Lives
Expected number of people reached: 2222
Donor: Danida (Humanitarian Crisis Fund)
