In the village of Kuenyajok, in Jur River County, Western Bahr el Ghazal state, the Abuklooi Seed Production Group is harvesting crops and the seeds of a brighter future. With support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and through the African Development Bank Group-funded project “Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Response to Food Crisis in South Sudan”,the group has achieved remarkable progress in just one year. 

This project focuses on three key components, including the scale-up of early-generation seed production - foundational seeds essential for producing high-quality seeds for farmers. With this support, the group has transformed its agricultural practices, boosted its income potential, and embraced a renewed sense of purpose and opportunity. 

Moses Akec, the 46-year-old lead farmer of the group, leads 18 women and 12 men dedicated to improving their livelihoods. Before the intervention, they faced numerous challenges. “Before FAO’s intervention, we did not get any early warning for floods. Pests and diseases also impacted our crops,” Moses explains. Poor post-harvest management and recurring floods compounded their struggles, making it difficult to achieve meaningful yields. 

With FAO’s training, the group adopted good agricultural practices in soil and water management, proper spacing, row planting, pest management and post-harvest management. “Now we can apply the knowledge that FAO has given us and improve our yields,” Moses adds. In addition, FAO provided them with early warning messages and pest management strategies, helping them better plan for climate-related risks and protect their crops. 

This year’s harvest reflects the transformative impact of these changes. The group collectively anticipates over 185 sacks (approximately 100 kg per sack) of groundnuts, 28 sacks of sorghum, and 4 sacks of cowpeas. Part of the harvest will be used as seed for the farm, some kept for food, and the rest will be sold for an income.  

The group intends to store their produce and strategically time their sales. By doing this, they can maximize their income, with the price of a 100kg sack of groundnuts potentially rising from SSP 90 000 during harvest to SSP 200 000 in May. 

The income generated from the harvest has far-reaching benefits. Group members plan to reinvest in their farm by hiring laborers to expand operations, support their children’s education, and cover medical expenses. “We are positive about the future,” Moses says, highlighting the group’s optimism.   

FAO’s support extends beyond agricultural training. The organization facilitates the sale of seeds through seed fairs and connections to seed companies and agro-dealers. This ensures the group has access to stable markets, securing their income and livelihoods. 

Looking ahead, the Abuklooi group has ambitious plans. They aim to open a new 60-feddan farm, doubling individual ownership to two feddans per member. To further improve post-harvest management, they plan to construct a brick storage facility. 

The group also sees the need for financial literacy and access to savings and loans. “We want training in VSLA [Village Savings and Loans Associations] as there is nowhere for us to access loans,” Moses emphasizes. FAO has already committed to providing training in VSLA, enabling the group to save and invest in long-term goals. 

Moses reflects on the group’s progress, “We hope that FAO will continue to support us.” For now, the group celebrates their achievements, knowing they are on a path to resilience and growth. 

The Abuklooi Seed Production Group’s journey from struggle to success showcases the transformative power of FAO’s support. With hard work, community spirit, and a commitment to learning, the group lives up to its name, “Let Us Do It,” turning hope into harvest.