Farmers Urge Rural Bank Expansion Across CES Counties

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Cooperative farmers and village savings groups in Yei River County have welcomed the Central Equatoria State government’s plan to establish a Rural Development Bank, but are urging authorities to ensure the project is implemented and expanded to counties across the state.

According to the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development, the bank aims to increase access to financial services while supporting cooperatives, agriculture and other productive economic activities. The ministry said the initiative will be implemented through a partnership between the state government and China Jiangsu International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group Limited.

Cooperative farmer Joice Minala welcomed the announcement but stressed the need for practical implementation. She called on the government to establish bank branches in Yei, Lainya, Kajo-Keji, Morobo, Terekeka, and Juba counties.

“We want practical implementation of the rural development bank, with branches in Yei, Lainya, Kajo-Keji, Morobo, Terekeka and Juba counties. This talk should not end on paper in Juba,” she said.

Minala noted that a rural bank would provide farmers with easier access to financial services compared to commercial banks, whose loan requirements and high interest rates often make borrowing difficult for small-scale farmers.

“Farmers and business cooperative groups are struggling to access development, farming, and business loans due to complicated requirements that prevent them from expanding their activities,” she added.

Another cooperative farmer, Moses Taban Mikaya, also welcomed the proposal, describing it as a long-overdue initiative that could significantly benefit farmers and the business community.

“Let this plan be implemented without delay. The rural bank should operate like Centenary Bank in Uganda, with branches across the state and extending to the village level. We believe this will address many financial challenges affecting rural communities,” Mikaya said.

Meanwhile, Josephine Amani, a local trader in Yei Town, said residents are optimistic about the project but want to see concrete action.

“We are happy with the plan to establish rural banks in the state. What we need now is action so that traders and other citizens can invest in businesses and create opportunities for economic growth and development,” she said.

Residents believe the establishment of the Rural Development Bank could improve access to affordable credit, strengthen cooperatives and boost agricultural production and local