fromANYANG GARANG in Juba, South Sudan
South Sudan Bureau
JUBA,(CAJ News)– THE International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of South Sudan have launched a US$41.8 million initiative aimed at improving food security, strengthening rural livelihoods and building resilience to climate change for more than 110,000 people.
The Sustainable Agriculture Development Project (SADEP), unveiled on Tuesday, seeks to tackle the root causes of food insecurity and fragility by increasing agricultural productivity, promoting climate-smart farming and strengthening rural institutions.
The programme will prioritise the development of sustainable sorghum and fisheries value chains while reducing post-harvest losses and improving access to markets, finance and agricultural services.
A major focus will be the fisheries sector, where the government aims to transform South Sudan into a fish-exporting nation by 2027.
SADEP will support this ambition by rehabilitating key infrastructure, including landing sites, ice plants and storage facilities, while promoting sustainable fishing practices and modern production technologies.
IFAD Country Director Caroline Mwongera said the initiative placed rural communities at the heart of efforts to build climate-resilient food systems and improve livelihoods in one of the world’s most fragile settings.
She stressed that sustained and predictable investment would be critical to achieving long-term food security and stability.
The project will target some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable communities, with particular emphasis on women, young people and marginalised groups through a community-led approach designed to strengthen local ownership and social cohesion.
Around 18,700 households are expected to benefit from improved nutrition through the distribution of nutrient-rich crops, alongside better natural re
South Sudan’s Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Onyoti Adigo Nyikwec, said the project supported the country’s ambition to reduce reliance on humanitarian assistance by creating resilient and productive food systems.
SADEP is co-financed by the Global Environment Facility with US$8.9 million and will be implemented with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the International Fertilizer Development Center and Welthungerhilfe.
