By Kei Emmanuel Duku
A senior policy analyst and civil society activist is urging the South Sudan government to prioritize community-driven smart agriculture initiatives and reforestation efforts as a measure to reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
Boboya James emphasized the need for incentives to encourage tree planting and maintain a green environment.
South Sudan’s recently updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) aims to reduce 109.87 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and sequester 45.06 million tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030.
This will be achieved through mitigation and adaptation measures to reduce emissions and address climate change impacts.
James argues that smart agricultural practices, such as intercropping, agroforestry, reforestation, and afforestation, help absorb atmospheric CO2, thus reducing carbon emissions.
Given that 95% of South Sudan’s population relies on natural resources for livelihood and charcoal for cooking, James urged the government to lower taxes on clean energy imports to attract private investment.
“Instead of importing fossil fuels and generators, most investors should be importing solar panels/systems. We need immediate, medium, and long-term strategies to achieve clean energy and reduce our carbon footprint,” James stated.
As an oil and gas-producing country, South Sudan can also reduce carbon emissions by investing in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), making gas cylinders more accessible to communities through reduced import taxes.
James suggests that making gas cylinders affordable, between 50,000 and 100,000 South Sudanese Pounds, would encourage widespread adoption.
“With our consumption patterns in South Sudan, where bread consumption is high, gas cooking is a viable alternative. A single gas cylinder can last nearly three months and is cleaner than charcoal,” he explained.
He also called for the enactment of environmental protection and conservation laws, including penalties for charcoal production.
James highlighted the construction boom in Juba City as a major driver of deforestation, due to uncontrolled logging. He stressed the need for stricter environmental laws to protect wetlands and forests.
South Sudan has yet to table its Environmental Bill before parliament for enactment.
The civil society activist noted that South Sudan has faced numerous humanitarian crises, including floods, droughts, and recent heatwaves.
These climatic disasters have led to displacement, disrupted livelihoods, and significantly impacted human security over the past four to six years.
James emphasized the importance of increasing national budget allocations for climate financing and disaster management.
“Allocating 1.5% of the national budget to climate financing, coupled with strengthened institutional capacity and regular budget monitoring, can create better conditions,” James concluded.