A South Sudanese farmer inspects his sorghum crop. (Mayak Akuot/FAO)

(Juba) The African Development Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and South Sudan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), have launched the country’s Emergency Food Production Programme – Project 1 (SSEFPP-1), designed to increase agricultural productivity and production. It will also strengthen institutional capacity for improved food and nutrition security in the country.

The African Development Bank is investing USD 8.1 million, which will enable MAFS and FAO to target 100 000 households across five states in South Sudan over the next two years.

“This intervention will boost local food production, strengthen resilience of food systems and mitigate short to long term risks due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” said Flavio Soares da Gama, Principal Economist for the Bank’s country office in South Sudan.

 “We are grateful to the African Development Bank for their partnership in a very critical area in the country’s development,” said Meshack Malo, FAO Representative in South Sudan.

“Last year South Sudan produced an estimated 800 000 metric tonnes of cereals, much less than the roughly 1 300 000 metric tonnes it requires. We aim to assist farmers to meet the country’s needs, and then go beyond that, moving from an emergency response towards building resilience,” added Malo.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Honourable Josephine Lagu, commended the Ministry’s strong relationship with the Bank and FAO.

“I express the profound commitment and willingness of the national Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to work hand in hand with the African Development Bank and the implementing partner, FAO, and all other relevant development partners to ensure the success of this project,” pledged Lagu.

Components of the programme will include delivery of agricultural inputs, such as improved seed and fertilizer, and extension services to farmers, the development of seed and fertilizer frameworks, and institutional capacity strengthening. The outcome of the programme will be increased agro-processing, aggregation, and marketing of agricultural produce, as well as enhanced trade and export of agricultural products and produce.

Contact:

Tanya Birkbeck

Communications Specialist, FAO in South Sudan

[email protected]

+211 920 490 149