Armed Attacks Threaten Food Supply in Morobo County/Handout
(MOROBO COUNTY) – Farmers in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, say ongoing insecurity including abductions, attacks and repeated displacement has severely affected crop production during the first harvest season.
The county located on South Sudan’s borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen rising incidents of violence in recent months, forcing many farming families to abandon their fields.
Amos Dada, who is currently displaced, said it has been difficult to stay on his farm because of insecurity and the fear of being attacked by unidentified armed groups.
He said the reduced presence of farmers in their fields has led to a decline in food production, which is now visible in local markets where fewer locally grown products are available compared to previous seasons.
He appealed to the government and armed groups operating in the area to engage in dialogue and agree on peace to allow farmers to return to their villages.
Bethuel Manase, a farmer from Gulumbi Payam, said most people in his village have not been able to concentrate on agriculture due to fear and frequent displacement.
He stressed that farming can only succeed in a peaceful and secure environment and called for peace and stability in Morobo so that farmers can resume cultivation during the upcoming planting period.
Another farmer, Francis Tabule from Lujule Payam, said food production has also been affected as many residents have fled to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
He urged the government and local security forces to preserve peace so that farmers can grow food and help prevent hunger and malnutrition in the county.
Morobo County Commissioner Charles Dada Bullen has assured the public during recent meetings that the local administration is working to restore peace and stability across the county.
He said the return of calm will enable residents to concentrate on rebuilding their livelihoods and support the development of the area.
Overview of Farming Constraints Reported by Residents in Morobo County
| Main Challenge | Impact on Farmers |
|---|---|
| Insecurity / Armed Attacks | Displacement and abandonment of farmlands |
| Lack of Dialogue Among Groups | Reduced confidence in returning to villages |
| Fear of Unknown Armed Men | Limited time spent on crop cultivation |
| Displacement to DRC | Lower food output and reduced access to local produce |
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