Yei Farmers Record High Cassava Harvest After NGO Support

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Farmers in Ronyi Boma of Yei Payam have recorded a high harvest of the Naracas cassava variety following successful implementation of a nine-month agricultural project supported by local and international partners.

The project was implemented by the Organisation for Agricultural Opportunity (OFAO) South Sudan with support from Stromme Foundation and funding from the Norwegian Embassy in Juba, aiming to improve food production and strengthen livelihoods among local farming communities.

Joseph Shali, Chairperson of Iyete Farmers Group, said farmers have witnessed significant improvement in crop production through the initiative.

“We have seen good outcomes from maize production last year, and this year we have recorded a good cassava harvest. The Naracas cassava variety has shown a high yield, and the group plans to distribute the stems to other members across the county,” he said.

He appreciated Stromme Foundation and OFAO for supporting farmers with improved agricultural initiatives.

Another farmer and member of the group, Lemi John, said the project provided farmers with modern and quick-maturing cassava stems, groundnut seeds, beans, and vegetable seeds.

He added that the Iyete Farmers Group is now placing greater focus on cassava production following the successful harvest.

“We have achieved a good cassava harvest, and as Iyete Farmers Group, we are now focusing more on cassava production this year,” he said.

Female farmer Mama Araba praised the development partners for investing in food production in the area.

She said the group was encouraged by the good cassava harvest recorded this week and appealed to OFAO to continue supporting farming activities in the community.

“We shall continue engaging in crop production and need more technical and material support to fight food insecurity in the country,” she said.

The farmers also appealed to the government to improve security, road networks, storage facilities, and market access in order to encourage agricultural production and trade in the region.

Hakim James John, Executive Director of OFAO South Sudan, said the project was implemented between April 2025 and March 2026 and greatly improved crop production in Ronyi and Gimunu Bomas of Yei River County.

According to Hakim, the initiative benefited 680 farmers and supported 17 demonstration farms for crops and vegetables.

“The overall goal of this project is to build national capacities to support resilience and sustainable food production, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase market access for smallholder farmers in South Sudan,” he said.

Hakim noted that the project targeted returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host community farmers.

He added that the initiative produced approximately 4.8 metric tons of harvested cassava stems and improved agricultural knowledge through technical training and extension services.

“Even though the project has ended, we call on donors to continue supporting and investing in agriculture projects to reduce food insecurity and improve livelihoods in local communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Director for Agriculture and Forestry in Yei River County, Asiki Isaac, applauded OFAO and its partners for supporting local farmers.

He described Yei as a key food production hub for South Sudan but said years of insecurity have negatively affected farming activities in the area.

“Yei still has the potential to improve food production despite the political and technical challenges facing farmers. We call on donors, local NGOs, and international organizations to continue investing in agriculture to strengthen South Sudan’s food basket,” he said.

He further noted that Yei has the capacity to contribute significantly to the transformation of South Sudan’s economy through increased agricultural production.