By Lodu William Odiya
South Sudan is expected to participate in upcoming 2nd United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), in Addis Ababa.
According to South Sudan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, the event unveils an opportunity to showcase progress and ambitions for agricultural transformation.
The Minister issued a statement, which, No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper obtained a copy.
“The summit is a timely opportunity for us to showcase our efforts, forge new partnerships, and mobilize the support needed to unlock South Sudan’s agricultural potential,” the statement read.
Minister Akol emphasized that South Sudan is seizing this opportunity, especially as the government has declared 2025 the “Year of Agriculture.”
In the statement, Akol stated the declaration marked a strategic turning point for the country, with a series of initiatives being launched to boost food production, improve food security, and reduce dependence on food imports.
Akol also underlined that despite its significant potential, South Sudan’s agriculture sector continues to face multiple challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to inputs and financing, climate-related shocks, and pockets of insecurity.
He further highlighted that Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the sector, often struggle with low productivity due to the lack of modern tools, agricultural extension services, and post-harvest technologies.
The UNFSS+4 summit would bring together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to review the progress made in transforming food systems worldwide, in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
South Sudan’s active participation reflects its growing commitment to food systems reform and sustainable development.