Yei Farmers Urge Government, NGOs to Invest in Agriculture to Fight Food Insecurity

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Farmers in Yei River County are calling on the government and humanitarian organisations to invest in practical agricultural projects, saying increased support for farmers is key to tackling the country’s growing food insecurity challenges.

The farmers argue that while government officials and development partners frequently speak about promoting agriculture, limited support has reached farming communities on the ground.

Progressive farmer Emmanuel Luate Justine said Yei’s favourable climate and fertile soils provide immense potential for food production, but farmers continue to struggle due to a lack of meaningful support.

“The little support we receive comes from a few NGOs operating in the area through the provision of farm tools, seeds and training programmes,” Luate said. “With this support, we are able to produce food for our households and local markets.”

He noted that farmers continue to face challenges including insecurity, poor road networks, limited storage facilities and lack of access to affordable agricultural financing.

According to Luate, improving security, providing tractors and irrigation equipment, constructing storage facilities and expanding access to agricultural loans would significantly boost production.

“If there is stable security, mechanised farming and good roads, South Sudan can greatly reduce food shortages,” he added.

Another farmer from Ronyi area, Khamis Alfred Sebit, said government institutions and NGOs should focus on strengthening market access, value addition, mechanised farming and the provision of quality seeds.

“We have seen some NGOs supporting farming groups in Yei, but that support is not enough to fight food insecurity across the country,” Sebit said. “Farmers need security, tractors, quality seeds and effective agricultural training programmes.”

He also urged authorities and development partners to support farmers through financial assistance, the establishment of market centres and stronger links to large-scale buyers.

Meanwhile, Sarah Maneno, a progressive farmer from Gimunu, said many farmers remain dependent on traditional farming tools and are unable to produce enough food for both household consumption and commercial markets.

“We hear government officials talking about farming and food production on radio and television, but there is little support reaching farmers on the ground,” she said. “Most of us depend on small NGO projects with limited coverage.”

Maneno called for the establishment of large-scale demonstration farms across payams and bomas in Yei River County to promote mechanised agriculture and provide practical training opportunities for local farmers.

She said such initiatives could help increase production, create employment opportunities and reduce the country’s dependence on imported food.

Recently, Organization for Agricultural Opportunities (OFAO), a leading national agricultural NGO operating in Yei, told Access Radio that it remains committed to supporting local farmers despite funding constraints affecting the sector. The organization noted that it continues to promote best agronomic practices, provide storage facilities and create market opportunities for farmers to improve productivity and increase household incomes.

The calls come as local authorities continue to encourage agricultural production. Recently, Yei River County Agriculture Director Asiki Isaac urged farmers to utilise available resources while the government and development partners work towards expanding agricultural programmes in the area.

Earlier this year, former Central Equatoria State Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development Emmanuel Khamis Richard announced plans to establish cooperative demonstration farms across the state’s six counties to strengthen food production, improve livelihoods and promote mechanized farming.

He said the initiative is aimed at combating food insecurity and improving income generation through modern farming methods.

The ministry has also announced plans to establish a rural cooperative bank and a training institute aimed at providing farmers with technical skills and financial services.

Yei River County, located in South Sudan’s fertile green belt, is widely regarded as one of the country’s major food-producing regions and is often referred to as the nation’s food basket.