Poor Roads, Multiple Taxes Push Morobo Farmers to DR Congo, Uganda Markets

Several farmers who spoke to Access Radio said challenges along the Morobo-Yei-Lainya-Juba route have made it difficult and costly to transport farm produce to major markets in South Sudan.

Local farmer Alfred Lasuba said farmers face taxes at different levels, in addition to charges at markets and difficulties caused by poor road conditions.

“There are a lot of challenges facing farmers and these include poor road network, taxes, high transport cost starting from Morobo up to Juba and there are also many check points on the road the government know our challenges and even in the markets, we are being taxed this has forced farmers to sale their produce to Congo and Uganda to avoid losses”

Lasuba called on the government to improve security, reduce checkpoints and taxes affecting agricultural produce and rehabilitate the Morobo-Yei-Juba road to ease the movement of goods and services.

Another farmer, Dada Samuel, said Morobo has significant agricultural potential, but poor market access, taxation and deteriorating roads have discouraged farmers from expanding production.

“Most farmers have changed and because of many taxes and poor roads, we are now shifting to sell our farm produce to Congo and Uganda and in South Sudan, we are not benefiting from our farm produce, we call on the government to examine this issue with seriousness”

Farmer and agribusiness woman Esther Sarifa said farmers could increase production and invest in mechanized agriculture if they receive greater support, improved security and better infrastructure.

“If you go to Uganda, farmers are well supported, the government gives loans, farm implements, good roads, storage facilities and protection of farm produce. In Morobo County, the situation is different and it is difficult to invest in large scale farming”

Morobo County is part of South Sudan’s Green Belt, an area considered suitable for agricultural production because of its soil and climatic conditions.

Access Radio was unable to reach the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Agriculture for comment on the farmers’ concerns.

However, Central Equatoria State Caretaker Governor Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani has previously said his administration is committed to restoring peace and stability to enable displaced communities to return home and resume farming.

The governor has also called on farmers to form agricultural cooperatives as part of efforts to strengthen farming across the state.

Policy analyst James Boboya Edmund of the Institute of Social Policy and Research has also called for greater government investment in security stability, infrastructure and agriculture, particularly in food-producing areas of Central Equatoria State.