By Deng Ghai Deng
Residents of Ruweng Administrative Area gathered in Pariang on Friday, October 25th, to commemorate World Food Day, an event that highlighted the pressing need for modern agricultural tools and skills to address the growing food insecurity plaguing the nation.
Mading Chol, the Secretary of Farmers Union in Ruweng, said Ruweng has agricultural potential and if farmers are equipped with modern tools they can produce enough food to fight food insecurity.
“The land in Ruweng can benefit all the people of South Sudan and neighbouring countries like Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda if we have modern tools in our hands. But now we are using hand tools. We need modern technologies like tractors and their equipment,” Chol said.
Despite the fertile soil, local farmers face significant challenges, including poor road connectivity and insecurity along transport routes, which hampers the transport of produce to Juba, and
Malual Jou, the deputy paramount chief in Ruweng, pointed to the destructive impact of pests, particularly weaver birds, which threaten crops saying that local farmers have cultivated vast areas this year but are suffering from crop losses due to the pests.
“There are things birds call weaver birds that have been disturbing farmers a lot. It attacks crops especially cereals when they are about to get well before harvest. The farmers cultivated enough land this year but weevil birds have been attacking. Without Weevil birds there could be no hunger,” Jou said.
In response to these challenges, Meshack Oguna Malo, the country director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), announced plans for an aerial spray campaign to combat the weevil birds.
“Today, I want to assure you that a plane will arrive for the spraying of these pests. We will work together to ensure that the hard work of farmers does not go to waste,” Malo stated.
Tiob De Monyluak De Derin, Chief Administrator of the Ruweng Administrative Area, emphasized the role of food security in sustaining livelihoods and fostering economic growth.
He called for increased support from both the government and the international community to bolster local farmers.
“Food is not just a basic human right; it is a fundamental right. We must invest in sustainable farming practices,” he urged.
The celebration of World Food Day is a reminder of the global struggle against hunger, with FAO studies revealing that over 2.8 billion people currently cannot afford healthy, nutritious food regularly. This has resulted in severe malnutrition and obesity across socio-economic classes worldwide.
World Food Day, established by the FAO in 1979 and celebrated annually on October 16th, aims to raise awareness about hunger and promote efforts to ensure food security for all.
This year’s theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” emphasizes the fundamental human right to food, advocating for sustainable practices and equitable access to resources.