By Ngor Deng Matem Farmers across Aweil are facing the prospect of a poor harvest this year as erratic rainfall and extended dry spells between rains continue to damage crops, with Aweil East and Aweil South counties emerging as the hardest-hit areas. Across the region, maize, sorghum, and groundnuts are[Read More…]
Agriculture
Farmers decry prolonged dry spell, uneven rain distribution in Lakes State
By Yang Ater Farmers across several counties in Lakes State have expressed concern over poor rainfall distribution and a prolonged dry spell, warning that the situation is threatening crop production and increasing fears of food insecurity. Ranben John, a farmer from Mathiang-Awetdit Village in Rumbek East County, said the lack[Read More…]
South Sudan backs EAC agricultural reform agenda at Dar es Salaam Summit
By Sabri Dibaco Agriculture ministers from the East African Community (EAC) have endorsed the final report of the 19th Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security, adopting a series of resolutions aimed at transforming agriculture, strengthening regional food security, and expanding cross-border trade. South Sudan’s National Minister of Agriculture and[Read More…]
South Sudan, and Tanzania to sign agriculture cooperation deal in August
By Sabri Dibaco The Republic of South Sudan and Tanzania have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in August 2016, a move aimed at boosting food production, agricultural trade, and technical cooperation between the two East African Community (EAC) partner states. The[Read More…]
University of Juba leads stakeholders’ dialogue on strengthening local seed systems in Yei
By James Innocent The University of Juba, through its Holistic Agriculture-Fisheries Resilience for Value Chain Empowerment and Sustainable Transformation (HARVEST) Project, convened a stakeholders’ research dissemination meeting in Yei River County on Monday to discuss strategies for strengthening agricultural resilience and improving local seed systems. The meeting, held at the[Read More…]
OPINION: Why government must incentivise the private sector, not politics
Writer: Garang Atomdit Today, many of our brightest young people are choosing sycophancy over skills. Not because they lack talent, but because the system makes praising power more profitable than solving problems. A young man who spends his day clapping for an official gets a meal today. Another who spends[Read More…]
EDITORIAL: South Sudan government should support farmers
Agriculture is widely recognised as the backbone of South Sudan’s economy and the main source of livelihood for the majority of the country’s population. With millions of hectares of fertile land, abundant water resources, and favourable weather conditions, South Sudan has enormous potential to become a food-producing nation. Unfortunately, despite[Read More…]
Kumuri advocates for investment in agriculture to boost food security
By Louis Loku The leadership of Kumuri General Trading Company has called on South Sudanese to embrace commercial agriculture, saying it remains the most viable pathway to economic recovery, food security, and employment creation. Speaking during a media tour of Kumuri Farm in Kapuri, Luri Payam of Juba County, Chief[Read More…]
Caterpillar outbreak sparks concerns over crops destruction in NBGs
By Hou Akot Hou An outbreak of large caterpillars across most parts of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has raised alarm among residents and local authorities, with fears that the infestation could threaten both public health and agricultural production. The state’s Minister of Agriculture, Garang Chan Atak, told this publication[Read More…]
Agriculture: The Citizens’ Best Defense Against Famine
This country is blessed with vast fertile land, favourable climatic conditions, and abundant water resources. Yet, despite these natural advantages, many communities continue to face food shortages and the constant threat of famine. As it strives for economic growth and stability, citizens must embrace agriculture as the most reliable solution[Read More…]
Farmers call for support to boost food production
By James Innocent Farmers in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, are appealing to the government and development partners for increased agricultural support to boost food production and help address rising food insecurity affecting many households across South Sudan. Speaking at Morokindita Cooperative Society in Yei River County, Joseph Juma[Read More…]
Adil, Agriculture Minister renew commitment to food security
By Louis Loku Central Equatoria State Governor, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, and the National Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Clement Juma, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening agricultural development and enhancing food security across South Sudan. The renewed commitment was made during a courtesy meeting held in Juba at the[Read More…]
Azande Kingdom launches Palm oil tree planting initiative
By Jackson Gaaniko The Azande Kingdom has launched a major agricultural initiative aimed at planting 35,000 palm oil trees to promote farming, create employment opportunities, and support economic growth in the region. The launch took place on Saturday at the Royal Palace in Bazungua, Western Equatoria State, under the leadership[Read More…]
A South Sudanese refugee cries for justice after her poultry farm raid in Adjumani
By Jurugo Emmanuel Ogasto A 25-year-old South Sudanese refugee living in Maaji Refugee Settlement in Adjumani District has been left devastated after unknown thieves raided her poultry farm and stole 31 chickens. The victim, identified as Keji Jane, said the theft happened on Tuesday night at her home in Maaji[Read More…]
Azande King urges citizens to embrace agriculture to end hunger
By Sabri Dibaco The King of the Azande Kingdom, Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, has called on citizens to fully embrace agriculture, saying it should become the backbone of the kingdom’s development and a key path toward economic independence. Speaking at the palace while addressing the media, the monarch said farming[Read More…]
Poor roads cut off farmers from markets, and raise food losses in WES
By Sabri Dibaco Farmers across Western Equatoria State (WES) raised the alarm over the poor condition of the roads linking farming areas to the capital, Juba. The farmers cited deteriorating infrastructure as affecting their ability to access markets and attract buyers for their agricultural produce. Some of the farmers said[Read More…]
Government eyes agricultural transformation as key to food security, economic recovery
By Lodu William Odiya The Acting Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Lily Albino Akol, has reaffirmed the sector as the cornerstone of the country’s economic recovery and long-term stability. Speaking at the opening of the Agriculture Forum on Tuesday in Juba, Lily emphasised that agriculture contributes nearly 40 percent[Read More…]
Vast livestock and fisheries resources remain underutilised, says Minister Adigo
By Lodu William Odiya The minister of livestock and fisheries, Onyoti Adigo Nyikuac, has called for urgent investment, policy reforms, and stronger systems to unlock the full economic potential of the country’s vast but largely underutilised livestock and fisheries resources. Speaking at the Agriculture and Food Security Conference in Juba,[Read More…]
“Produce More Than We Consume,” Bakosoro tells the new trade minister
By Sabri Dibaco Former Presidential Advisor Joseph Bakosoro has called on the newly appointed Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Labanya Margaret, to prioritise strategic planning and production as a pathway to economic stability in South Sudan. Speaking during a welcoming ceremony attended by national ministers and dignitaries, Bakosoro praised[Read More…]
WES rolls out school farming programme to boost food production
By Yiep Joseph The government of Western Equatoria State has introduced a new school farming program to improve food production and strengthen practical learning in schools. The initiative, which forms part of broader efforts to link education with agriculture, is designed to turn schools into centers of both learning and[Read More…]