Eastern Equatoria and Lakes Farmers Beat Drought to Deliver Bumper Harvest

(JUBA) – Farming cooperatives in Eastern Equatoria and Lakes States have produced over 329,850 kilogrammes of harvest despite drought, heavy rainfall and unstable market conditions, showing how rural groups can improve livelihoods through sustainable agriculture.

The 21 cooperative societies and farmer clusters have been receiving support through the RURALSS project, run by AVSI with funding from the Netherlands Embassy in South Sudan.

The project provides training in leadership, financial literacy, food safety, business skills and climate smart farming methods.

Farmers have used these skills to manage crops better, cut post harvest losses, handle pesticides safely and meet quality standards needed for export markets.

The groups have also received instruction in Good Agricultural Practices and gender inclusion to ensure women take part fully in farming activities and decision making.

The cooperatives marked the International Cooperative Day at a time when many rural communities in South Sudan face food shortages and economic hardship.

AVSI stated that the harvest figure demonstrates that investment in farmer skills, youth employment and market access can build resilient agricultural businesses even in difficult conditions:

“The cooperatives continue to work towards becoming competitive enterprises that can sustain themselves beyond the project period.

Their progress shows that farming, when supported with the right knowledge and tools, offers a pathway to steady incomes and long term food security for rural families.” – AVSI Press Release.