Youth Appeal for Roads and Tractors in Yei

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Youth in Yei River County have appealed to the government to create a supportive environment that encourages young people to participate in agriculture, saying farming remains the best way to fight poverty and promote economic growth in South Sudan.

The young people say agriculture offers a sustainable path to income generation and self reliance, especially at a time when unemployment continues to rise among South Sudan’s youth.

Alex Moses, a young farmer in Yei, said the area has fertile soil and favourable weather but lacks government support to make farming more productive. He believes that simple interventions could make a major difference.

“Yei has very fertile land and good climate,” he said. “What we want is peace and support from the government, such as tractors, feeder roads, food stores, and market centres for our farm produce.”

Another young farmer, Edmond Malish, said peace and stability are essential for any agricultural progress. He urged the government to invest in large-scale mechanised farms that can provide jobs and encourage young people to see agriculture as a viable career.

“Peace and security are the gateway to farming,” Malish said. “We want the government to establish large mechanised farms that will employ and empower the youth.”

Frank Gaga, the chairperson of the Yei County Youth Association, echoed similar concerns, saying restoring peace would help solve many of the country’s economic and employment challenges:

“The government should focus on peace and security, and support youth agricultural projects through loans and mechanised tools such as tractors.”

Frank added that when young people are given access to safe and stable environments, they can invest their time and energy in productive ventures like agriculture, which would reduce South Sudan’s dependence on food imports from neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Sudan.

With most of South Sudan’s population under the age of 30, youth leaders say agriculture could become the country’s largest employer if properly supported.

They are now calling on both the state and national governments to prioritise agricultural investment as a way to empower young people and strengthen the country’s food security.