The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and South Sudan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security have been chosen to lead the project. This initiative aims to increase output by 350,000 tonnes of rice and sorghum, along with 2,450 tonnes of fish.
Developing smart production systems
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a 46.2 million USD grant for South Sudan’s agricultural sector. This funding will support the Climate Resilient Agribusiness Transformation Program, set to run from September 2024 to December 2030. The project aims to deploy smart agricultural production systems on a large scale and strengthen value chains for businesses led by women and youth.
In addition, the initiative promotes digital solutions and the development of professional, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to create jobs, especially for women and young people. This investment is critical for South Sudan, currently ranked as the third most fragile nation and the fifth most vulnerable to climate change.
Climate-smart initiative targets 9 counties in South Sudan
The African Development Bank (AfDB) reports that the program will be implemented in nine counties and 32 sub-counties or districts, selected for their high agricultural potential and favorable agro-ecological conditions. This initiative is the Bank Group’s first investment under the Food and Agriculture Distribution Pact, aiming to boost production and productivity while enhancing food security and nutrition, in line with government strategies.
The program focuses on four strategic value chains: sorghum, rice, sesame, and fisheries, with specific production targets. It will directly benefit 567,155 people, including producers, processors, and entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on women and young people. The project aims to involve 50 % women, 30 % of whom are aged between 18 and 35.
South Sudan’s population struggles to feed itself
The project aims to boost food production in South Sudan, where 7.1 million people, or 63.1 % of the population, struggle to access adequate food. It is expected to create 179,200 new jobs in a country where agriculture employs about 70.5 % of the population and provides income for 95 % of its citizens.
Focusing on climate-smart farming methods, the initiative will support women and young people in agriculture and promote the use of digital technology. « The program’s activities will help increase productivity and produce an additional 350,000 tons of cereals (rice and sorghum) and 2,450 tons of fish. They strengthen agricultural value chains and entrepreneurship, creating at least 200 additional agribusinesses that are more profitable for women and young people », said Themba Bhebhe, AfDB Country Manager for South Sudan.
This grant raises the AfDB’s total investment in South Sudan from 160 million USD to 206 million USD. Agriculture remains crucial in South Sudan, providing jobs for 70 % of the workforce.
