Prospected dryness around the Sudd region in southern Sudan

الملخص EN

The objective of this research is to shed some light on the rainfall in Southern Sudan through the analysis of rainfall data during the period 1970-1998 for three stations, Juba (4N° 31°E), Malakal (9°N 31°E) and Renk (11°N 32°E).

The study revealed that rainfall was more stable northwards.

On monthly basis, and out of nine months, rainfall had been on the decline during 5 months in Juba, 3 months at Malakal and for only one month (March) at Renk.

It was also evident that rainfall in Juba, Malakal and Renk stations was higher during March, April and May, respectively, due to the effect of the south-westerly winds.

The local effect by the Sudd region was manifested in the stability of rainfall at Renk and Malakal stations, in addition to supporting rainfall in neighboring northern regions.

We would argue that the proposed Nile water development project at Jonglei is expected to destabilize the nature of rainfall in Southern Sudan and the local geography in general, including biotic structures and features as well as similar impacts further north.