South Sudan faces severe food shortages because the new African nation will produce less than half the food it needs to feed its population this year due to heavy rains and widespread violence, says the United Nations. (..) The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said it was facing a budget shortfall of $21 million, or 13 500 tonnes, to fund food assistance in South Sudan. “We are facing a serious food and budget shortfall which affects our ability to reach all those who need our assistance,” WFP spokeswoman Amor Almagro said.