Okra Farmers in Morobo Turn to Uganda for Profits

(MOROBO) — Farmers in Morobo County in South Sudan say they face major difficulties preserving and adding value to their agricultural produce.

Despite a good harvest this year, many rely on rudimentary tools and traditional methods to harvest, store, and preserve crops. Low local consumption and weak market demand have pushed them to sell produce across the border in Uganda, where returns are better.

One of the farmers, Likambo Cosmas, says limited support from the government and development partners has forced farmers to rely on local innovations to add value. Cosmas specialises in growing okra, a vegetable in high demand in markets such as Arua city and in refugee camps in northern Uganda.

Cosmas expressed gratitude to a local non governmental organisation, Mugwo Development Organisation (MDO), for technical and financial support that helped improve his production.

He urged the national and state governments to restore peace and stability and to create favourable conditions for agricultural investment.

He said with peace more farmers in Morobo County could become “international business owners through agriculture by exporting products to Uganda and beyond.”

He encouraged South Sudanese farmers to invest in agriculture as a way to tackle food insecurity and poverty.

Another farmer, Taban Baibai, said that even with the challenges, many farmers have adopted resilient practices to continue producing and harvesting.

He described major obstacles as insecurity, lack of modern tools, poor storage facilities, bad roads, limited transport and restricted access to large markets.

He called on government and development partners for support in the form of improved seeds, farming tools, value addition services, and better market linkages both within South Sudan and with neighbouring countries.

Female farmer Abau Esther said her priorities are peace and security, tractors, training, and poverty-reduction programs targeting farmers and local communities.

Last month, the governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil, said his administration has prioritised investment in agriculture through cooperative and mechanised farming across the state.

He indicated that this would increase food production, reduce poverty and create employment opportunities among local populations.

Morobo County lies in a green belt region with fertile soil and favourable rainfall, making it ideal for food and cash crop production. Yet, persistent insecurity remains a major challenge for farmers and residents in the area.

The situation in Morobo reflects broader issues across South Sudan’s rural areas where, despite natural potential for agriculture, weak infrastructure, insecurity and limited support hamper efforts to transform farming into sustainable income generation.