Advancing Vegetable Production in South Sudan
Our nascent activities in South Sudan stem from our work with South Sudanese refugees in Uganda. Preparing for a time when the security situation allows for a robust agricultural sector to emerge in this young East African nation, we have begun building the capacity of South Sudanese sector professionals and introducing improved vegetable production practices to farmers in the country.
An Opportunity for Partnership
After years of conflict and instability, South Sudan has a struggling economy, and nearly all vegetables in the market are imported. While parts of the country have fertile soil, farmers have insufficient technical knowledge to cope with erratic weather and difficult growing conditions.
In 2021, agricultural staff from the University of Juba, located in the nation’s capital, and Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology, in Bor, participated in a training program for sector professionals organized by EWS-KT staff in Uganda, with support from Nuffic. With new relationships in place, we saw an opportunity to partner with these universities to increase local expertise and extend training to the country’s smallholder farmers.
Our strategic initiatives in South Sudan complement our work with South Sudanese refugees in Uganda. Since 2018, we have been providing refugees in Uganda with training in vegetable production to help them feed their families and earn an income—now and after they are able to return home.
Expanding Outreach
In 2022, in partnership with the University of Juba, EWS-KT Uganda staff developed a learning farm on the university grounds, which was replicated in 2023 at Dr. John Garang University. The learning farms demonstrate model horticultural techniques and host hands-on trainings to share new skills and knowledge in vegetable cultivation.
In 2023, 1,593 farmers, agricultural students, and other interested individuals (36% women, 64% men, and 60% youth) received practical training in various aspects of vegetable production at the two learning farms.
We also initiated direct outreach to South Sudanese farmers in 2023, setting up small demonstration sites to showcase improved techniques in their communities. Our two expert trainers worked with local farmers to establish vegetable farming demonstration sites along the Nile River in Juba and began working with women and youth groups in the Bor area.
Looking Ahead
Through our efforts in South Sudan, smallholder farmers in and around Bor and Juba are being exposed to better farming methods. Ultimately, we seek to invigorate the country’s vegetable farming sector and contribute to a more hospitable vegetable production environment for returning refugees.
