Farming and Savings Replace Conflict in Lakes State

(RUMBEK, LAKES STATE) – Donors have witnessed the results of a community led peacebuilding programme in Lakes State, as local leaders and residents say farming together and saving together have replaced conflict with hope.

TOCH South Sudan and Peace Canal hosted a five day joint field monitoring mission for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Peacebuilding Opportunity Fund from 22 to 26 June 2026 in Rumbek.

The mission allowed the donor delegation to meet communities directly and see the impact of the Peace in Practice: Community Led Governance, Protection, and Economic Cooperation Programme.

The delegation visited Women Peace Farms, Village Savings and Loan Associations, Women and Girls Friendly Spaces, Akut de Door community dialogue structures, and Accountability Boards. They spoke with beneficiaries and local stakeholders who are driving change within their communities.

Community elder and spear master Mading Agot said peace grows where people have livelihoods. He noted that when communities farm together and support one another, they replace conflict with hope.

He commended SDC and POF2 for backing an approach that combines peacebuilding, protection and livelihoods, adding that the programme has strengthened social cohesion, trust and cooperation among communities.

The Governor of Lakes State, Maj. Gen. Madhang Majok Meen, praised the initiative and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting community led peacebuilding and development efforts.

He said the work of Peace Canal and TOCH has contributed greatly to improved security, livelihoods and protection. He encouraged continued investment to sustain the gains and expand support to more communities.

During the mission, representatives of SDC and POF2 expressed appreciation for the progress made. They commended TOCH South Sudan, Peace Canal, local authorities, community structures and beneficiaries for their dedication to achieving sustainable peace and development outcomes.

The Peace in Practice Project, run by Peace Canal and TOCH South Sudan in Lakes and Warrap States, tackles the root causes of intercommunal conflict through community led peacebuilding, governance, protection and economic cooperation.

The programme’s achievements reflect the joint efforts of donors, government institutions, traditional leaders, community volunteers, women’s groups, youth representatives and local communities working together to build peaceful and resilient societies.

TOCH South Sudan thanked SDC and POF2 for their continued trust and investment in community driven peacebuilding. The organisation also appreciated the Government of Lakes State, county and local authorities, traditional leaders, community structures and beneficiaries whose collaboration, ownership and active participation have been vital to the programme’s success.

Together with Peace Canal and partners, TOCH South Sudan remains committed to promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion, improving protection and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across Lakes and Warrap States.

In a related development last month, TOCH South Sudan completed a three day distribution and field monitoring mission in Turalei and Wunrok payams of Twic County and Gogrial, Kuac North and Riau payams of Gogrial West County in Warrap State.

The Caritas Norway Food Security and Livelihood Project reached 320 vulnerable households from 10 to 12 June 2026. The intervention targeted persons with disabilities, returnees, internally displaced persons and host community members with an integrated package of livelihood resilience support.

Each payam received start up capital for four VSLA groups, vegetable seeds, life skills training, non food items, Farmer Field School seeds, agricultural tools and WASH supplies. The support aims to strengthen household resilience, food security and self reliance.

VSLA Group Chairperson Nyibol Majok Deng said women play an equally important role in strengthening households and communities. She added that the support gives women an opportunity to improve their livelihoods and build a better future for their families.

Another beneficiary, Awek Manyuat Deng, welcomed the shift from free food to income generating support. She said the resilient strategy will change women who struggle to support families and relatives. She urged fellow beneficiaries to plant the seeds and use them for small economic activities rather than eating them all.

TOCH Programme Manager James Wek Bol said the project reflects the commitment of TOCH, together with CAFOD and Trocaire in partnership, to save lives, ease suffering and protect human dignity among vulnerable communities.

He said that by supporting women, girls, persons with disabilities, returnees, IDPs and low income households through integrated food security, livelihood, WASH, protection, peacebuilding and women’s empowerment work, the organisation is helping communities build resilience and create a better future for their children.

RRC coordinator for Twic County Abraham Yor noted that TOCH is not new to the area. He said previous work together has been positive and he welcomed the organisation’s return with a project that directly supports the most vulnerable members of the community. He looked forward to continued collaboration to improve people’s lives.