By Louis Loku
The National Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Central Equatoria State authorities, Terekeka County administration, and representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have officially launched the Resilient Livestock Sector Project in Terekeka County.
The five-year initiative, implemented in partnership with the FAO, is being carried out under the theme “Healthy Livestock, Healthy People, Sustainable Development.” It seeks to modernise livestock management, improve community health, and strengthen the economic resilience of communities in the region.
The project places emphasis on transforming livestock wealth into sustainable economic benefits for communities.
Speaking during the launch, the National Minister of Livestock and Fisheries outlined several key objectives of the initiative, including reducing the prevalence and incidence of animal and zoonotic diseases by 2030.
The minister also highlighted plans to increase livestock production and productivity while promoting peaceful coexistence and social cohesion among pastoralist communities.
Terekeka County Commissioner, Hon. Dr Emmanuel Loku Lodu, expressed gratitude to God and the national government for prioritising the county through the project.
commissioner. Lodu called on local communities to move away from traditional cattle keeping and adopt a more commercial approach to livestock production that can generate sustainable economic benefits.
“We must transform our livestock into lasting benefits for marriage, food security, and steady income,” Lodu stated.
The commissioner also pointed to critical infrastructure gaps affecting the livestock sector, particularly the lack of water reservoirs and proper water catchment systems, which he said are urgently needed to support livestock production.
Reflecting on Terekeka’s development since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, Dr. Lodu expressed concern over what he described as the county’s slow progress.
“People say Terekeka is green and its people are happy, but I am not happy with our lack of progress. Terekeka has lagged behind because we rely solely on traditional cattle keeping without modernisation.”
Commissioner. Lodu described the project as an opportunity to change the situation and called for increased community awareness and training to ensure local people benefit from the initiative.
“This project must be the turning point,” he added.
The launch brings together national and state authorities, the Terekeka County administration, development partners and local communities as efforts continue to strengthen the livestock sector and improve livelihoods in the county.