Open Letter to Hon Emmanuel Adil Anthony, Governor of Central Equatoria State – Please Own a Farm to Lead by Example

Dear Hon Emmanuel Adil Anthony,

Please receive my greetings from my small farm in Lasu Payam, Yei River County. I had the privilege of listening to your message on Tuesday, the nineteenth of November twenty twenty five, after your swearing in as Governor of Central Equatoria State.

Your message was clear. You placed agricultural development among your top priorities. This was encouraging because Central Equatoria is currently experiencing some of the highest levels of food insecurity in its history.

Your statement marks the beginning of what could be a new journey towards food security, self employment and increased revenue, but only if these words are translated into real action.

I encourage you to start by establishing your own private farm and appointing someone to manage it, just as you appointed a manager for your residence. I was pleased to hear that you already have a palace manager. I urge you to appoint a farm manager as well, and ensure that land clearing begins early next year.

Your own farm will inspire others in the state leadership. Please encourage the Deputy Governor, ministers, members of parliament and county commissioners to follow this example by developing farms in their home areas.

Once your farm begins to perform well, I suggest that you identify progressive farmers across Central Equatoria for support. This will help transform agriculture in our state. We cannot continue to use old farming practices in modern times, especially if we want the youth to take interest in agriculture.

Your farm, together with those of your colleagues in leadership, will produce enough food for your families while also creating opportunities for young people, women and agronomists seeking employment in Central Equatoria.

In addition, your collective effort will help increase food production and reduce food insecurity in the state.

I also urge you to consider creating a farmers development fund in Central Equatoria to support agricultural activities directly. Funds should go straight to farmers because previous support structures often failed and resources ended up in the wrong hands.

When farmers in Kajo Keji, Morobo, Yei, Lainya, Terekeka and Juba Counties begin to improve, the next step should be to develop a proper market strategy. Many farmers in Morobo, Kajo Keji and Yei struggle to bring produce to profitable markets, which discourages them from expanding their work.

The next stage should be investment in value addition, so that farmers can process their crops and earn better income. I recommend starting small and expanding based on what works best.

Agricultural development requires action, not talk. I hope to meet you early next year on your farm, with your farming tools in hand. Hon Emmanuel Adil Anthony, owning a farm will allow you to lead by example.

Regards,
Mr Joseph Edward Issa
A farmer from Lasu Payam, Yei River County

Disclaimer: This opinion reflects my personal views as a citizen of Central Equatoria and does not represent the institution I lead.

Edward Joseph Isaac is a farmer based in Lasu Payam, Yei River County. He advocates for practical agricultural development and stronger local food systems in Central Equatoria State. His commentary focuses on encouraging leadership involvement in farming and rural development.

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