By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Community Empowerment for Progress Organization has commended President Kiir for directing the National Minister of Roads and Bridges to rehabilitate national roads leading to rich agricultural areas across the country.
During his New Year’s message, President Salva Kiir argued that rehabilitating the Western Equatoria Road and other neighboring areas would boost agricultural productivity in the region.
However, CEPO’s Executive Director, Edmund Yakani urged President Kiir to convene a National Agricultural Conference so that State and National agricultural ministers can converge with farmers to discuss challenges facing the sector and explore viable practices.
“You need to commission a National Agricultural Conference between February and March before the rainy season to ensure agricultural success in this country. This conference will provide a platform for farmers to share their experiences and best practices,” stated Yakani.
Yakani further stated that the President’s declaration prioritizing Agriculture and peace for the year 2025 is critical in addressing some of the challenges facing the local population.
He noted that similar pronouncements have been made by the President in the past, but unfortunately, they have been disregarded by certain government officials within the executive branch.
The Executive Director appealed to the Council of Ministers to adopt the President’s declaration as official policy.
Last year Humanitarian organizations rehabilitated over 200 Kilometers of roads in Western Equatoria state, these roads helped them have access to markets, and it also allowed farmers to transport their produce more efficiently, reducing spoilage and increasing market access.