Cooperative Leads Drive for Mechanised Farming in Yei

(Yei) – A quiet agricultural revolution is underway in the fertile lands of Yei River County. Destiny Farm International (DFI), a cooperative society based in South Sudan’s green belt, is leading the shift from small scale subsistence farming to large scale mechanised agriculture in a region still recovering from years of conflict.

Through its Fedanten Farm Program, the cooperative has cultivated 800 fedans (approximately 336 hectares) of farmland across Gimunu, Ronyi, and Jansuk Bomas, directly benefiting 400 farmers. The term “fedan” refers to a unit of land measurement used locally; one fedan is roughly equivalent to 0.42 hectares. This land was ploughed and harrowed free of charge for participating farmers. Seeds for planting were provided by Islamic Relief, which is funding the project this season.

General Manager Lotigo Felix explained that the Fedanten program began two years ago with the aim of reducing poverty, increasing food availability, and creating wealth for rural communities still grappling with the economic aftermath of the 2016 violence.

“We work with local chiefs to identify farmers, plough up to two fedans per household, and provide seeds. The aim is to build self sufficiency through mechanised farming,” Felix said.

He noted that this year alone, 400 fedans were prepared in Gimunu and another 400 in Jansuk, with a projected maize harvest of 800,000 kilograms. This output, which remains with the farmers, could significantly reduce local food shortages and market dependence on imported goods.

Felix stated that the project will expand further in the upcoming planting season, with plans to plough an additional 800 fedans. He called on humanitarian organisations to help scale the initiative to other areas.

Progressive female farmers like Susan Dawa from Gimunu are already experiencing the impact. Dawa has planted three fedans of maize and said the program has not only made farming easier but also empowered many women.

“I began land preparation in March, and now my maize is flourishing. I will sell part of my harvest to pay for school and health expenses, and save the rest for household use,” she said.

Tikla Ofuwa, another farmer from Jansuk, praised the cooperative and Islamic Relief for their role in reducing hunger. “With what I see on my farm, there will be no food shortage in Yei this year. We are ready to feed the market and the country,” she said.

Justine Juma, who belongs to the Morijita Cooperative Society, has planted four fedans with maize, beans, and groundnuts. He believes such mixed farming can reduce dependency on food imports from Uganda. “With this level of production, we can feed not only Yei but supply food to Juba,” he said.

Farmers also called on the government to enhance security, regulate cattle herders, and provide further financial and technical support to ensure long-term agricultural success.

Isaac Asiki, Yei River County’s Director for Agriculture, described the Fedanten project as one of the most effective strategies for promoting large scale farming. “It’s encouraging more people to take up agriculture. We are optimistic about strong yields this year,” he said.

The Central Equatoria State government recently announced it is prioritising mechanised agriculture through cooperatives to tackle food insecurity. At the national level, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources has procured 100 tractors to support farming in high-potential areas.

Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel , has also highlighted food production as a national priority and pledged government financial support for agricultural projects across the country.

Located southwest of the capital Juba, Yei River County boasts some of South Sudan’s most fertile soil and favourable year round weather for crop cultivation.