Government Launches Ambitious Agriculture Initiative to Strengthen Food Security in Four States
In a significant step towards enhancing food security and empowering rural farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), inaugurated the Rural Enterprises for Agricultural Development (READ) project on Tuesday. The initiative aims to uplift agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods across four states in South Sudan.
During the launch event held at the Pyramid Hotel in Juba, Minister Josephine Lagu emphasized the project’s objectives, stating, “We want to enhance agricultural productivity; cooperatives, in my understanding, are a means of transforming agriculture and transforming our rural population. South Sudan’s rural communities are the heartbeat of our country.”
The READ project, which will operate in Renk County (Upper Nile State), Awiel Centre (Northern Bahr El Ghazel State), Magwi County (Eastern Equatoria State), and Anzara, Yambio, and Maridi (Western Equatoria State), seeks to empower rural farmers and strengthen cooperatives, saving and credit organizations, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Yona Robert, the Minister of Cooperatives and Rural Development in Western Equatoria State, expressed confidence in the project’s potential impact, suggesting it will facilitate the growth of cooperative efforts within the agricultural sector.
Mohamed Abchir, the UNDP Resident Representative in South Sudan, outlined the project’s approach, noting its focus on rural producers’ organizations (RPOs) and agricultural producer groups (APGs). He highlighted the intention to build the capacity of rural households, thus improving food security and household incomes. “By facilitating the transformation of these organizations into sustainable and resilient players in the agricultural value chain, we can ensure long-term benefits,” Abchir added.
Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Onyoti Adigo Nyikwec, reinforced the significance of the initiative, declaring it part of the government’s broader strategy to develop agriculture for sustainable livelihoods. He noted that President Salva Kiir has designated agriculture as a top priority for national development.
With roots in local communities and a clear vision for sustainable agricultural practices, the Rural Enterprises for Agricultural Development project is set to not only enhance food security but also contribute to the overall economic stability of South Sudan by empowering its rural populace.
