By Sabri Dibaco
The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), has distributed 1,351 fishing nets to vulnerable households in Lakes and Jonglei States.
In a press release from the UNOPS communication officer, the distribution is part of efforts to strengthen climate resilience and restore livelihoods in flood-affected communities in South Sudan.
“The distribution is part of the Rehabilitation of Flood Mitigation and Flood Control Infrastructure Project funded by the World Bank, streamlined to the Regional Climate Resilience Program (RCRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa, which is being implemented to address the escalating impacts of climate change, particularly flooding, on communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods across South Sudan,” the statement reads.
According to the ministry, the initiative directly supports 222 households, benefiting an estimated 1,332 individuals across seven counties in Lakes and Jonglei states that have been severely affected by recurrent flooding and climate-related shocks.
“Targeting some of the most flood-affected and vulnerable populations, the initiative directly supports 222 households, benefiting approximately 1,332 individuals across seven counties in Lakes and Jonglei states,” the statement reads
Speaking during the distribution exercise, RCRP Project Coordinator at the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Andrew Yunda Stephen, said that the intervention is designed to help communities rebuild sustainable livelihoods and improve food security
“The provision of fishing nets is part of the no-regret interventions planned under the RCRP. It is meant to offer more than immediate relief; it equips communities with sustainable tools to rebuild their livelihoods, improve food security, and adapt to increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions,” the statement reads
Fishing has been identified as a climate-adaptive livelihood option capable of generating income while utilising locally available natural resources.
UNOPS Country Manager, Petronella Halwindi, said the initiative demonstrates a transition from emergency response to long-term resilience building.
“By empowering communities with practical livelihood assets, we are helping them better withstand and recover from climate shocks,” the statement reads
The activity forms part of a wider resilience program being implemented across Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, and Upper Nile states to strengthen adaptive capacity and reduce disaster vulnerability in flood-prone and refugee-hosting communities.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to delivering climate-smart and community-driven solutions that promote sustainable development and resilience across South Sudan.